In sailing, a hold is the lower compartment inside a ship's hull used for storing cargo. Historically, this space was below the orlop deck for stowing bulk goods, accessed via hatches. "Hold" also refers to the interior space of a yacht or can be part of the phrase "Hold Fast," a command to grip rigging during rough weather.

Cargo Hold: Large storage compartment typically found between the upper and lower hulls of a vessel.

Hold Fast: A nautical phrase originating from the Dutch houd vast, instructing sailors to firmly hold on to rigging to avoid falling overboard.

Mast Step: A specific area sometimes referred to as a "hold" where the bottom of the mast is secured within the vessel.

It should not be confused with Hull, which is the watertight body of the boat, or Cleat, which is a fitting used to hold a line.