Hold definition, to have or keep in the hand; keep fast; grasp: She held the purse in her right hand. See more. used on the phone to ask somebody to wait until they can talk to the person they wanthold on (to something/somebody) | hold on to something/somebodyHe held on to the back of the chair to stop himself from falling. Definition and synonyms of hold on to from the online English dictionary from Macmillan Education.. He held the child's hand in his.to hold merchandise until called for; to hold a reservation.to bear, sustain, or support, as with the hands or arms, or by any other means.to have the ownership or use of; keep as one's own; occupy: We will hold you to your promise to pay back the money.He held a gun on the prisoner. You can change your cookie settings at any time. He held the child's hand in his. Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.