hold·out
ˈhōld-ˌau̇t 
held out; holding out; holds out
1
: to remain unsubdued or unyielding
where 30 of the … refugees were still holding out—
Anna Tomforde
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
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
Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 10 Oct. 2024
But with looming uncertainty, the landlord chose certainty of occupancy over a speculative holdout for higher rents.
—Allen Buchanan, Orange County Register, 26 Oct. 2024
Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
But at least one tribe holds out hope for the future of fish in the Klamath.
—Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for holdout 
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.
Noun
But here are some other, less obvious findings: Landline holdouts are more likely than wireless converts to own a home.
—Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 10 Oct. 2024
But with looming uncertainty, the landlord chose certainty of occupancy over a speculative holdout for higher rents.
—Allen Buchanan, Orange County Register, 26 Oct. 2024
Verb
Through 13 games, Walman had nine points and was second among all Sharks skaters in average time on ice before he was held out of the lineup for Tuesday’s game against Columbus.
—Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
But at least one tribe holds out hope for the future of fish in the Klamath.
—Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for holdout
Articles Related to holdout
Dictionary Entries Near holdout
Cite this Entry
“Holdout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holdout. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share