WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
place•hold•er
(plās′hōl′dər),USA pronunciation n.
- Mathematics, Philosophya symbol in an expression that may be replaced by the name of any element of the set.
- Governmenta person who holds a government office, esp. one appointed to the position in return for political support or favors.
- place + holder 1550–60