plural holdups
1
: a usually brief delay
a traffic holdup
Hey, what's the holdup? [=what is the reason for the delay?]
2
: a robbery that is done using a gun
There have been a series of holdups at local banks.
Cite this Entry
“Holdup.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/holdup. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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