holdback

1 of 2

noun

hold·​back ˈhōl(d)-ˌbak How to pronounce holdback (audio)
1
: something that retains or restrains
2
a
: the act of holding back
b
: something held back

hold back

2 of 2

verb

held back; holding back; holds back

transitive verb

1
a
: to hinder the progress or achievement of : restrain
b
: to keep from advancing to the next stage, grade, or level
2
: to refrain from revealing or parting with
held back important information

intransitive verb

1
: to keep oneself in check
2
: to refrain from revealing or parting with something

Examples of holdback in a Sentence

Noun there'll be a holdback on production until the new machinery is fully installed the only holdback to starting the new job is my contractual commitment to my current position Verb the only thing holding them back from joining the swim team is lack of transportation held back her tears until she was alone
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The other half of the moneys would be released to the clients' captives within 180 days, less some holdback that would last until the reinsurance policy expired (usually at the end of the year), plus some additional days tacked on for the extended reporting period. Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024 The best rooms look as though they've been decorated over time, like this one featuring a collection of distressed wood dressers, a metal bed frame, and antique drapery holdbacks. Andrea Crowley, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023 That's because the manufacturer will typically designate a holdback price, or a percentage of the MSRP or invoice. Elizabeth Rivelli, Car and Driver, 3 Feb. 2023 France Télévisions also has first-window exclusivity for the French-language version, with a one-year holdback. Martin Dale, Variety, 11 Jan. 2023 The manufacturer pays the holdback price to the dealership once the dealer sells the vehicle. Elizabeth Rivelli, Car and Driver, 3 Feb. 2023 There is a six-month holdback for the launch of the English-language versions in France. Martin Dale, Variety, 11 Jan. 2023 The reason Cannes doesn’t show Netflix films is simply because of the film law in France, which defines a very long holdback period after a film can move from theatrical release to streaming. Patrick Frater, Variety, 25 Oct. 2022 The Prime Video Original will launch worldwide on the streaming platform and will be available to linear TV and other outlets after a holdback, said Lozano. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 3 Nov. 2022
Verb
Teodoro, visibly shocked, couldn’t hold back tears. Marta Balaga, Variety, 22 May 2024 Blinken testified that there is still just one weapons system Biden is holding back over concerns about a major ground operation in Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians had been sheltering. Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 21 May 2024 Right now, wide-scale AI deployment is held back by several factors. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 19 May 2024 Those investors hold roughly 46% of the company’s shares, down from about 70% when the first vote was held back in 2018, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Bloomberg, Orange County Register, 15 May 2024 The work is part of a $2.3 billion project to bring the dam, which was built in 1950 and holds back Santa Clara County’s largest reservoir, up to modern earthquake standards. Shae Hammond, The Mercury News, 10 May 2024 The couple shared a video in which Owens can be seen holding back tears as Simone walks down the aisle with her father, looking stunning in a long white gown on their wedding day. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 8 May 2024 The Kardashian-Jenners are not holding back in the season five trailer for The Kardashians. Tatiana Tenreyro, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 May 2024 But these gee-whiz offers aren’t likely to hold back market dynamics. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 7 May 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'holdback.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1535, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of holdback was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near holdback

Cite this Entry

“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holdback. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

hold back

verb
1
: to make difficult the progress or achievement of
2
: to keep from revealing or giving
held back important information
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