behold

verb

be·​hold bi-ˈhōld How to pronounce behold (audio)
bē-
beheld bi-ˈheld How to pronounce behold (audio)
bē-
 ; beholding
Synonyms of beholdnext

transitive verb

1
: to perceive through sight or apprehension : see
2
: to gaze upon : observe
It was a pleasure to behold the beauty of the sunset.
The enormous crowd was a sight to behold.

intransitive verb

—used in the imperative especially to call attention
beholder noun

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of behold in a Sentence

Those who have beheld the beauty of the desert never forget it. to anyone who beholds the immense complexity of life on earth
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With its idyllic front lawn, gurgling fountain, and two-story deck, Elmwood 1820 Bed & Breakfast Inn is a sight to behold. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025 The 102-acre estate is something to behold, with its fig and olive trees and gardens with roses and Italian herbs surrounded by views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025 This is a truly captivating sight to behold. — Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025 But watching Marie go into full mama bear mode is a sight to behold. — Ew Staff, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for behold

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to keep, behold, from Old English behealdan, from be- + healdan to hold

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of behold was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing behold

Rhymes for behold

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Browse Nearby Words

Behmenism
behold
beholden
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Behold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behold. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

behold

verb
be·​hold bi-ˈhōld How to pronounce behold (audio)
beheld -ˌheld How to pronounce behold (audio) ; beholding
: to look upon : see
beholder noun

More from Merriam-Webster on behold

Nglish: Translation of behold for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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