hold
verb/hoʊld/
🔊 listen
hold is a multi-meaning English verb. The core is “to grip”, but it ranges from organizing to waiting. Irregular: hold → held → held.
📖 Meanings
1to hold, grip (in your hand)
"Hold my hand." — (grip)
2to hold (an event, meeting)
"They held a meeting." — (organize)
3to wait (on the phone: hold on)
"Please hold." — (stay on the line)
4to contain (capacity)
"This bottle holds 1 liter." — (contain)
⚠️ Forms
| Present | Past | Past Participle |
|---|---|---|
| hold | held | held |
🔄 Often confused
💬 Phrasal verbs
hold onhold uphold back
❓ What does “Please hold” (on the phone) mean?