easy
Please hold the book carefully.
What does Hold mean?
Hold means to keep or grip something.
Dictionary definition
To hold means to keep something in your hand, arms, or control; as a noun, it can mean a grip.
Example sentences
Hold in a sentence
medium
The jar was too slippery for Max to hold.
hard
The word hold can describe a physical grip or control over a situation.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice hold in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Hold
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does hold mean?
The correct answer matches the meaning of hold.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to hold?
Grip is close in meaning to hold.
Practice 3
Which word is an antonym or strong contrast for hold?
Release contrasts with hold.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Hold
Voice settings
Sounds like
HOHLD
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Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
HOHLD
Learn
WordHold.
Partverb, noun.
MeaningHold means to keep or grip something.
ExampleExample: Please hold the book carefully.
Your turn
Say Hold
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Nice work—you practiced hold.
Synonyms
Words like Hold
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice hold synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The room can accommodate thirty students," then compare close word choices. Practice hold synonyms.
Word family
Hold word family
Base word
hold
verb
holds
Keeps or grips now or often.
verb
held
Kept or gripped in the past.
verb
holding
Keeping or gripping now.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Hold
Hint for students
Hold means to keep something in your hands or keep it in place. It can also mean to save or contain something.
Common mix-up
Hold is not the same as carry. You can hold something still without moving it anywhere.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows hold without using the word hold. Model sentence: Mia kept the fragile cup steady in both hands. Clue words: kept, fragile cup, steady, both hands Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show keeping something in your hands or in place?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "Please hold the glass with both hands so it does not fall." Why does hold fit better than drop?
Learning activities
Practice Hold and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice HOLD” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice HOLD
Sentence Builder
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Write a sentence with HOLD
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