hold 'em: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2+Informal; Technical (Gaming)
Quick answer
What does “hold 'em” mean?
A nickname for Texas hold 'em, the most popular community card poker game.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A nickname for Texas hold 'em, the most popular community card poker game.
Specifically refers to the betting structure of the poker variant where players receive two private cards and use five community cards to make the best hand, with rounds of betting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The game is equally popular and referred to identically in both varieties. Spelling conventions (e.g., "holdem" without the apostrophe) may vary informally, but the standard written form includes the apostrophe.
Connotations
No significant difference. It connotes modern poker culture, casinos, tournaments, and strategy.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both regions within the context of poker and gaming.
Grammar
How to Use “hold 'em” in a Sentence
[play] + hold 'em[game/variant] + of + hold 'emVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hold 'em” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He is a hold 'em specialist.
- The hold 'em scene in London is thriving.
American English
- She won a hold 'em bracelet at the World Series.
- The hold 'em rules are standard.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of the gaming and entertainment industry, e.g., 'The casino's hold 'em tables are its biggest revenue source.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in game theory, mathematics of probability, or sociological studies of gaming.
Everyday
Used among players and enthusiasts, e.g., 'We're getting together for some hold 'em on Friday.'
Technical
Core term in poker literature, strategy guides, tournament rulebooks, and gaming software.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hold 'em”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hold 'em”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hold 'em”
- Writing it as 'hold them' in the game context
- Omitting the apostrophe (though 'holdem' is common informal usage)
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will holdem' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Hold 'em' is one specific variant of poker, currently the most popular worldwide. 'Poker' is the general family of card games.
The apostrophe represents the omitted letters 'th' from the word 'them'. It is a colloquial contraction reflecting the informal pronunciation of 'hold them', from the game's full name.
In very informal contexts, especially online and in gaming software, 'holdem' is frequently seen. However, the standard and more correct written form is 'hold 'em' with the apostrophe.
No. It is exclusively a noun (specifically, a proper noun for the game). You 'play' hold 'em; you do not 'hold 'em' as an action.
A nickname for Texas hold 'em, the most popular community card poker game.
Hold 'em is usually informal; technical (gaming) in register.
Hold 'em: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊld əm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊld əm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go all in (in hold 'em)”
- “The nuts (best possible hand in hold 'em)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HOLD your cards, and share 'EM with the community. HOLD + 'EM = the two key elements of the game.
Conceptual Metaphor
POKER IS WAR (with hold 'em being a specific battlefield); GAMBLING IS A TEST OF NERVE.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'hold 'em' specifically refer to?