hand-holding

noun

hand-hold·​ing ˈhan(d)-ˌhōl-diŋ How to pronounce hand-holding (audio)
Synonyms of hand-holdingnext
: solicitous attention, support, or instruction (as in servicing clients)
… a growing user population that wants training, troubleshooting, and hand-holdingDatamation
hand-holder noun

Examples of hand-holding in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Regular feedback doesn't have to mean long meetings or emotional hand-holding either. Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 There's no hand-holding, though. Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026 The math starts to favor hiring an experienced worker who needs less hand-holding. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 May 2026 Beyond the yachts themselves, the yards are working hard to secure younger clients, with more hand-holding during the sale process and build period than ever before. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 May 2026 Its relentlessly upbeat, hand-holding style has drawn constant criticism for coming across as condescending. Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 16 Apr. 2026 The two played a game of Barrymore Bingo, featuring staple moments that happen in practically every interview, like hand-holding or getting curled up on the couch. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026 The service Don't expect any hand-holding here. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026 Ludovic Marin | Afp | Getty Images Then, there was the hand-holding moment that went viral between two AI giants. Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 21 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hand-holding was in 1967

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Cite this Entry

“Hand-holding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hand-holding. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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