holdout

1 of 2

noun

hold·​out ˈhōld-ˌau̇t 

: one that holds out (as in negotiations)

also : an instance of holding out

hold out

2 of 2

verb

held out; holding out; holds out

intransitive verb

1

: to remain unsubdued or unyielding

where 30 of the … refugees were still holding out

—Anna Tomforde

also : to continue to function or be available : last entry 1

prayed that the engine would hold out

as long as our money holds out

2

: to refuse to go along with others in a concerted action or to come to an agreement

holding out for a shorter workweek

transitive verb

1

: to present as something realizable : proffer

2

: to represent to be

Phrases

hold out on

: to withhold something (such as information) from

Synonyms

Verb

• hold up
• keep up
• last
• prevail
• survive

Examples of holdout in a Sentence

Noun

He says he might be a holdout at the start of the next season if the team doesn't agree to pay him more.

He is expected to end his three-week holdout and join the team tomorrow.

A few holdouts still use typewriters, but nearly everybody uses computers now.

Verb

we hoped our supply of firewood would hold out until power was restored

luckily, the old outboard motor held out till we made it to shore

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Right now, Trump has tremendous political capital to wield over some of these potential holdouts, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. —Michael McFaul, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2024

Strong pay gains appear to be a holdout while other Covid-era distortions fade, Elyse Ausenbaugh, head of investment strategy at JPMorgan Wealth Management, wrote in commentary issued Friday. —Alicia Wallace, CNN, 6 Dec. 2024

Verb

Maybe the appeal of saving $100 will finally convince you to splurge on a Garmin smartwatch after holding out for eons. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2024

Overcome with emotion, the surprised fiancée nodded her head before holding out her hand for Brown to put the ring on her finger. —Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1908, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1556, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Kids Definition

hold out

verb

1

: to remain in being : last

hope the food holds out

2

: to remain unyielding : refuse to surrender or give in

held out until help arrived

holdout

ˈhōl-ˌdau̇t

noun