Hold-up vs. Holdup vs. Hold Up
“Hold up” is a phrasal verb with senses including delaying or robbing. As a noun, Cambridge records British-style “hold-up” and also the closed form “holdup,” especially in American usage. Preserve that documented noun variation instead of treating one noun spelling as universally wrong.
Use “hold up” for the verb. For the noun, Cambridge records hyphenated “hold-up” and closed “holdup,” with the spelling choice showing regional/style variation.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| verb phrase: delay, support, or rob depending on context | hold up | Write two words for the verb. |
| noun: a delay or robbery | hold-up / holdup | Use the noun spelling required by your regional or house style. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Is the expression functioning as a verb in the sentence?
If yes: Use “hold up.”
If no: If it is the noun, use the accepted noun spelling for the target variety/style rather than the two-word verb form.
Caveat: Noun spelling varies by dictionary, region, and house style; the stable contrast is two-word verb versus noun form.
Examples
Traffic could hold up the delivery.
The expression functions as a verb, so it is written as two words.
The shipment was delayed by a hold-up at customs.
The hyphenated form can function as the noun in styles that use it.
The bank holdup was reported that evening.
The closed noun spelling is also recorded in current English.
Further guidance
Core difference
The open form is the verb; the hyphenated or closed form is the noun.
Fast Test
If it can become “held up,” you are using the verb and should write two words.
Regional Boundary
Cambridge labels “hold-up” as the main UK noun form while also recording closed “holdup,” including American dictionary use.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- HOLDUP — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Closed noun “holdup” for delay or robbery senses
- HOLD UP — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Phrasal verb “hold up” plus hyphenated UK noun “hold-up”