the act of keeping something in your hand or arms, a property or piece of land owned by someone, especially when it is rented to others, a company or organization that owns a controlling share in another company

holding pattern, holding the bag, holding one's own

Formal and Informal Expressions of holding

In different contexts, you can replace 'holding' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'possession, ownership, control' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'grip, hold' is a commonplace synonym.

holding: Explore its Definition & Usage

holding Definition

1the act of keeping something in your hand or arms
2a property or piece of land owned by someone, especially when it is rented to others
3a company or organization that owns a controlling share in another company

Using holding: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "holding" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She tightened her holding on the rope.
Example
The holding was passed down from generation to generation.
Example
The holding company owns several subsidiaries.
Example
He has a large holding in the stock market.

holding Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for holding

Phrases with holding

holding pattern
a state of waiting or delay, especially in aviation where an aircraft circles around an airport until it is allowed to land
Example
Due to bad weather, the plane was put in a holding pattern for over an hour before it could land.
holding the bag
to be left with the responsibility or blame for something
Example
I didn't do anything wrong, but I was left holding the bag when the project failed.
holding one's own
to maintain one's position or status, especially in a difficult situation
Example
Despite the competition, our company is holding its own in the market.

📌

Summary: holding in Brief

The term 'holding' [ˈhoʊldɪŋ] refers to the act of keeping something in your hand or arms, a property or piece of land owned by someone, and a company or organization that owns a controlling share in another company. It extends into phrases like 'holding pattern,' which denotes a state of waiting or delay, and 'holding the bag,' meaning to be left with responsibility or blame for something.