behold

verb

be·​hold bi-ˈhōld How to pronounce behold (audio)
bē-
beheld bi-ˈheld How to pronounce behold (audio)
bē-
; beholding

transitive verb

1
: to perceive through sight or apprehension : see
2
: to gaze upon : observe
It was a pleasure to behold the beauty of the sunset.
The enormous crowd was a sight to behold.

intransitive verb

used in the imperative especially to call attention
beholder noun

Examples of behold in a Sentence

Those who have beheld the beauty of the desert never forget it. to anyone who beholds the immense complexity of life on earth
Recent Examples on the Web But Gauff’s ability—at a mere 19 years of age—to play the fiercest tennis on the tour while remaining almost ridiculously self-possessed is a thing to behold, and should serve her well here. Corey Seymour, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2024 At 602 feet high and 3,460 feet long, Shasta Dam is a wonder to behold. Janet Fullwood, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2024 The parity and depth of high level teams is truly something to behold. Susan M. Shaw, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 The creativity in their elaborate and colorful costumes, coupled with unique acrobatic skill, is one of the most beautiful sights to behold during carnival, from parties to the parade of bands. Melissa Noel, Essence, 13 Feb. 2024 And Messenger’s version — with its manic swings of cruelty and twisted kindness — is something to behold. Lisa Kennedy, The Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2024 Sitting beneath the roadster’s hood is a 3.0-liter Tipo 128 Colombo V-12 that’s just as much of a sight to behold as its body. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2024 The interviews with Reeve’s children, Matthew, Alexandra, and William, are revealing and touching, and the warm valor shown by Dana (who died in 2006) proves a wonder to behold. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 23 Jan. 2024 While the farm's fresh produce is good, the handmade peach ice cream from the onsite market is something to behold. Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'behold.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to keep, behold, from Old English behealdan, from be- + healdan to hold

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of behold was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near behold

Cite this Entry

“Behold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behold. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

behold

verb
be·​hold bi-ˈhōld How to pronounce behold (audio)
beheld -ˌheld How to pronounce behold (audio) ; beholding
: to look upon : see
beholder noun

More from Merriam-Webster on behold

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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