hold on

verb

held on; holding on; holds on

intransitive verb

1

a

: to maintain a condition or position : persist

b

: to maintain a grasp on something : hang on

2

: to await something (such as a telephone connection) desired or requested

broadly : wait

Phrases

hold on to

: to maintain possession of or adherence to

Synonyms

• abide
• bide
• continue
• endure
• hold up
• keep up
• last
• perdure
• persist
• remain
• run on

Examples of hold on in a Sentence

the ancient beliefs still held on in remote mountain villages

hold on a minute—it's not your turn

Recent Examples on the Web

John Wallace moved to Texas from Scotland, but always held on to his Scottish identity, said one of his sons. —Claire Osborn, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

San Francisco not being able to hold on to late leads. —Vincent Frank, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

The Friends of the Arlington Public Library would fund all costs for the wedding — which is set to be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025 between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Central Library Lobby & Auditorium. —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024

At the same time, as winter approaches, Sam must fight to hold on to his humanity — or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

hold on

verb

1

: to keep a hold

2

: wait entry 1 sense 1a