# HODL

/ˈhɑdəl/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hodl
Updated: 2026-07-19

## Definition

to hold onto a financial asset, such as cryptocurrency, even when the price drops. It comes from a misspelling of the word 'hold' and is used by people who believe the value will increase later.

For teachers: to retain ownership of a financial asset, particularly cryptocurrency, despite market volatility. Originates from a deliberate misspelling of 'hold' and is used to signal a long-term investment strategy.

## Examples

- Many investors choose to HODL their coins during a market crash.
- Despite the sudden drop in market value, the community encouraged everyone to HODL rather than sell at a loss.
- The ethos of the movement is to HODL through extreme fluctuations, viewing short-term price corrections as irrelevant to the asset's long-term potential.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.