holdover: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “holdover” mean?
Something that remains or continues from an earlier time, often after its original purpose or era has ended.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Something that remains or continues from an earlier time, often after its original purpose or era has ended.
A person, thing, or practice that persists, especially from a previous administration, period, or system, sometimes in an outdated or transitional capacity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more common and established in American English. In British English, synonyms like 'vestige', 'remnant', 'legacy', or 'hangover' are often preferred in comparable contexts.
Connotations
In AmE, it is a standard, slightly formal term. In BrE, it can sound like an Americanism and may be perceived as jargonistic in political or business contexts.
Frequency
High frequency in AmE journalistic and political discourse. Lower frequency in BrE, where it is understood but used less spontaneously.
Grammar
How to Use “holdover” in a Sentence
[holdover] + from + [era/period][be] + a + [holdover] + of[adjective] + holdoverVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holdover” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The meeting will hold over until next week.
- They decided to hold the decision over.
American English
- The judge agreed to hold the case over for a month.
- Let's hold over this agenda item.
adverb
British English
- This rule applies holdover from the old system. (Rare/ungainly)
American English
- The policy continued holdover into the new year. (Rare/ungainly)
adjective
British English
- The holdover cast performed brilliantly.
- We reviewed the holdover contractual terms.
American English
- He's a holdover senator from the previous administration.
- The holdover budget caused some issues.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for personnel or policies retained after a merger or leadership change (e.g., 'Several holdovers from the old management team were let go.').
Academic
Used in historical or sociological analysis to describe persistent institutions or ideas (e.g., 'The feudal system left many legal holdovers.').
Everyday
Less common. Might be used to describe old habits or items (e.g., 'This rotary phone is a holdover from my grandparents' house.').
Technical
Used in computing for cached data or sessions; in theatre/film for an actor kept from a previous production.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “holdover”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “holdover”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holdover”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They holdover the tradition' – incorrect; use 'carry over' or 'continue').
- Confusing it with 'leftover' (which is primarily for food or material items).
- Misspelling as 'hold over' (as two words is a verb phrase; 'holdover' is the noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun meaning 'a vestige', it is one word: 'holdover'. The verb phrase is two words: 'to hold over' (to postpone).
A 'leftover' is primarily a remaining quantity, especially of food. A 'holdover' is an abstract or institutional remnant from the past, like a policy, person, or tradition.
Typically, it has a neutral or slightly negative connotation, implying something is outdated. However, it can be neutral, e.g., 'a welcome holdover' if the continued existence is viewed positively.
It is understood but less common than in American English. British speakers might opt for 'hangover' (in metaphorical senses), 'vestige', 'remnant', or 'legacy'.
Something that remains or continues from an earlier time, often after its original purpose or era has ended.
Holdover is usually formal/neutral in register.
Holdover: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊldəʊvə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊldoʊvər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No major idiomatic uses; the term itself is used metaphorically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine HOLDING OVER an old, dusty book from a previous library—it's a HOLDOVER.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS SPACE (something left behind in the past and occupying space in the present).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'holdover' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?