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hold court

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌhoʊld ˈkɔrt/ · UK /ˌhəʊld ˈkɔːt/

hold court means: To attract a group of listeners and do most of the talking.

verb

DOMINATE CONVERSATIONC1

To attract a group of listeners and do most of the talking.

  • Grandpa held court after dinner.
  • She was holding court at a corner table.
  • He loves to hold court while everyone listens to his stories.

Similar words: dominate the conversation, be the center of attention

Common phrases: hold court at dinner, hold court with friends

LEGAL HEARINGC1

For a judge or court to conduct a trial or another legal hearing.

  • The judge holds court on Mondays.
  • They held court in a temporary building.
  • Will the magistrate hold court here tomorrow?

Similar words: conduct a hearing, hear cases

Common phrases: hold court tomorrow, hold court in public

ROYAL ASSEMBLYC2

For a ruler to lead a formal gathering where guests attend or state matters are discussed.

  • The queen held court that morning.
  • The king used to hold court in the great hall.
  • Ambassadors waited while the emperor held court.

Similar words: receive courtiers

Common phrases: hold court daily, hold court at home

Questions about hold court

What does hold court mean?

To attract a group of listeners and do most of the talking.

What is hold court in other languages?

Türkçe: sohbetin merkezinde olmak · Español: ser el centro de atención · Français: tenir le crachoir · Deutsch: das große Wort führen · Italiano: tenere banco · 日本語: 会話の中心になる

How do you pronounce hold court?

In American English /ˌhoʊld ˈkɔrt/; in British English /ˌhəʊld ˈkɔːt/.

How do you use hold court in a sentence?

Grandpa held court after dinner. She was holding court at a corner table.

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