ahold: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Informal, chiefly conversational.
Quick answer
What does “ahold” mean?
A physical grip or grasp, as on an object.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A physical grip or grasp, as on an object.
Figuratively, to get a grasp on or understanding of something (often in the phrase 'get ahold of'); also used as an adverb meaning 'to a position of holding or control' (e.g., 'get ahold of oneself').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'ahold' is considered non-standard or an Americanism. The standard equivalents are 'a hold' (as two words) or different phrasing (e.g., 'get hold of'). In American English, 'ahold' is accepted in informal usage.
Connotations
In the UK, it can sound distinctly American or uneducated. In the US, it is informal but widely understood and used.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “ahold” in a Sentence
[Verb] + ahold + of + [NP] (get/grab/take ahold of the rope)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ahold” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- She pulled the rope ahold (archaic/dialect).
American English
- He grabbed ahold and pulled himself up.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal: 'I need to get ahold of the client before the meeting.'
Academic
Virtually never used in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Common in AmE speech: 'I couldn't get ahold of milk at the store.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ahold”
- Writing it as two words in AmE informal contexts where it's idiomatic as one (but standard BrE requires two).
- Using it in formal writing.
- Overextending the pattern, e.g., 'He has a strong ahold' (unnatural).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is an informal word, primarily used in American English, meaning a grip or grasp, and is most common in the phrase 'get ahold of.'
In British English, always write 'a hold' as two separate words. In American English informal writing, 'ahold' is acceptable, especially in fixed phrases. For formal writing, use 'a hold' or rephrase.
They mean the same thing: to obtain, contact, or grasp. 'Get hold of' is standard in all varieties. 'Get ahold of' is the informal, primarily American variant.
No, 'ahold' is not used as a verb. It functions as a noun (in 'get ahold of') or an adverb (archaic/dialectal). The verb is 'hold'.
A physical grip or grasp, as on an object.
Ahold is usually informal, chiefly conversational. in register.
Ahold: in British English it is pronounced /əˈhəʊld/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈhoʊld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “get ahold of the wrong end of the stick (rare, UK variant of 'hold')”
- “get ahold of yourself”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'a hold' merging into one word for an 'American hold' on something.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS HOLDING (get ahold of a situation).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'ahold' (as one word) most commonly accepted in informal speech?