Definition, synonyms and related words
plural of hold
"The ship's holds were packed tightly with crates for export."
In plain English: A hold is something that keeps you from moving or escaping, like being stuck in a tight space.
"The boat's cargo hold was packed with fresh vegetables."
Usage: As a noun, holds refers to instances or acts of holding something securely, such as in the phrase "the ship encountered several violent holds." It is rarely used on its own outside of specific nautical contexts where it denotes a cargo space.
Third-person singular simple present indicative form of hold
"The cup holds enough coffee for two people."
In plain English: To hold means to have something in your hands so it doesn't fall or get away from you.
"The jar holds enough water for a whole cup of tea."
Usage: Use holds to describe when something physically supports an object or person from falling, such as a shelf holding books. You also use it to indicate that someone possesses an item or maintains possession of something over time.
Holds is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb hold, which derives from Old English healdan meaning to grasp or keep in custody. It entered Middle English with the same core sense of retaining possession or maintaining a state.