ahold
A hold or grasp; what you get when you grab something or reach somebody.
Also called aholt, a-hold, a-holt.
Updated September 21, 2026
ahold pronunciation
/uh-HOLD/
Meaning
Means a hold, usually in phrases like get ahold of or take ahold of. You can get ahold of a rope, aholt of some money, or ahold of somebody on the phone. Same idea as "hold," with the a- glued on the front. Many mountain speakers say aholt with a t at the end.
How folks use it
- “I tried to get ahold of them down there at Erwin.”
- “Wish I could find some way to git ahold of some money.”
Origin and etymology
Probably the article "a" plus "hold," written as one word. Southern Appalachian English also lists aholt. Civil War letters already have "get a holt of them." DARE and everyday American speech both know it, with strong Southern and Midland use.
Frequently asked questions
Is aholt the same as ahold?
Yes. Aholt is the t-sound ending a lot of mountain speakers use. Same meaning.