holding

Definitions

1. noun

   Something you own, such as shares in a company.

   Examples

   • The library has a large holding of old maps.
   • The prime minister planned to sell the state's holding in the airline.
2. noun

   A decision made by a court about the law.

   Examples

   • The judge's holding set an important example.
   • Lawyers studied the holding closely for future cases.
3. noun

   A farm or piece of land rented from someone.

   Examples

   • He worked the small holding his family had rented for generations.
   • The tenant paid rent for the holding each year.
4. noun

   In old-fashioned use, the strength of an argument.

   Examples

   • His argument had no real holding.
   • The theory had no holding when it was tested.
5. noun

   In sports, an illegal act of grabbing an opponent.

   Examples

   • The referee called holding on the player.
   • He was penalized for holding during the play.
6. noun

   In old-fashioned use, the chorus of a song.

   Examples

   • The crowd joined in on the holding of the song.
   • Everyone sang along with the familiar holding.
7. noun

   A hold or power over someone.

   Examples

   • The old traditions still have a holding over the village.
   • Superstition had a strong holding on the sailors.
8. noun

   A big company that owns other companies.

   Examples

   • The group runs its business through several holdings.
   • The family's wealth was managed through a private holding.
9. verb

   The form of hold that shows the action is happening now.

   Examples

   • They were caught holding hands in the dark.
   • She is holding the door open for us.