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
Although some Afghan video creators have used YouTube’s geo-blocking tools to hold back their most sensitive content inside Afghanistan, Afghan officials now appear to be using VPN to see what is being published outside the country, according to the owner of a major Afghan YouTube channel. Rick Noack, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 Guests don’t have to hold back either, since the restaurant’s two big buffets are all-you-can-eat. Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 During his announcement on Monday, Jason paused for many moments and tried to hold back tears. Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 But with the tag now in place, Burns and his agent can attempt to hold back the Panthers’ free agency plans because of the pass rusher’s large cap number. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2024 Haiti’s National Police, which boasts an aggressive new anti-gang unit, has seen some success in apprehending some criminal figures and holding back gang expansion in a key areas of the city, including next to the US embassy. Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 The inflation that has ravaged the European economy eased again in February, falling to 2.6% as high interest rates, moderating oil and gas prices, and sluggish growth held back price increases in stores. David McHugh, Fortune Europe, 1 Mar. 2024 Here’s some advice Warren Buffett doesn’t hold back in his latest annual letter to shareholders. Bynick Rockel, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2024 For 20% of people generally and for 50% of those between the ages of 18 and 35, poor communication has caused them to be held back at work. Tracy Brower, Forbes, 21 Feb. 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 19 Mar. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!