holdover

1 of 2

noun

hold·​over ˈhōld-ˌō-vər How to pronounce holdover (audio)
: one that is held over

hold over

2 of 2

verb

held over; holding over; holds over

intransitive verb

: to continue (as in office) for a prolonged period

transitive verb

1
b
: to retain in a condition or position from an earlier period
2
: to prolong the engagement of
the film was held over another week

Examples of holdover in a Sentence

Noun He is the only holdover from their last championship team. This policy is a holdover from the previous administration. Verb the golf tournament had to be held over until the line of thunderstorms had passed through
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Other than that, it’s been a group of holdovers making steady progress, and some, like catcher Pedro Pages and center fielder Victor Scott II, are taking advantage of getting regular playing time for the first time in their careers. John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 Both companies are the rare holdovers from the kind of regional manufacturing that has largely collapsed in Vermont and other rural areas in the United States. Alex Tzelnic, Outside Online, 6 June 2025
Verb
Dusk stopping play has also been a feature of this year’s tournament, with matches held over on all of the first four days, including on both main courts on Monday — despite no rain on three of the days. Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 6 July 2025 Since then, India and China have held over 20 rounds of commander-level talks, with periodic announcements on agreements regarding disengagement and patrolling management. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for holdover

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1893, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1647, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of holdover was in 1647

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Holdover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holdover. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

hold over

verb
: to continue beyond a normal or planned time
the movie was held over for three weeks
holdover
ˈhōl-ˌdō-vər
noun

Legal Definition

hold over

intransitive verb
: to remain in a position or condition
one who holds over in possession of a building after the expiration of a term of yearsB. N. Cardozo
holdover noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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