English Reference
noun

holder

n.
US /ˈhoʊɫdɝ/ UK /hˈəʊldɐ/ hold·er UK spelling holders

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    a person who officially owns or has something, such as a passport, a job, or a bank account.

    an individual who possesses or maintains a specific legal document, title, or position.

    Simple

    The card holder must sign the back of the credit card before using it.

    In context

    The policy holder is required to notify the insurance company of any significant changes to their property within thirty days.

    Teacher's tip

    Commonly used in compound nouns like 'passport holder', 'account holder', or 'ticket holder'.

    possessorownerbearer
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    a small device or container used to hold or carry a specific item.

    a physical device or receptacle designed to secure, support, or contain a particular object.

    Simple

    She put the hot coffee cup into the plastic holder in her car.

    In context

    The laboratory technician placed the test tubes into the metal holder to ensure they remained upright during the cooling process.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    the person or team that currently has a title or trophy from a previous win.

    the current possessor of a title, trophy, or record in a competitive context.

    Simple

    The current holder of the world record will compete again this Saturday.

    In context

    As the defending trophy holder, the team faced immense pressure to maintain their undefeated streak during the national finals.

    Teacher's tip

    Often appears as 'title holder' or 'record holder'.

    championtitle holder
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical nautical

    a person who works in the hold (the storage area) of a ship.

    a worker employed to handle cargo within the hold of a vessel.

    Simple

    The holders worked quickly to organize the crates before the ship left.

    In context

    The captain praised the efficiency of the holders, noting that the entire cargo was secured well before the storm reached the harbour.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very specific maritime term that most learners will not encounter outside of historical or technical nautical texts.

    stevedore
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated