Definition

A term or symbol used to represent something else, often temporarily, until a specific value or name is assigned.

Example

In the document, the term 'X' is used as a placeholder for the actual name that will be added later.

Conversation

I found this term placeholder in my math book yesterday.

Oh really? What does it mean?

It refers to a symbol that can be replaced by something else in an equation.

That makes sense! I remember learning about that in school.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Placeholder** → It is formed from "place" (from Old French *place*, meaning a specific location or position) and "holder" (from the verb "hold", meaning to grasp or contain). A placeholder is something that holds a place or position temporarily.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'holds' a 'place' — a placeholder is used to fill in a position until something permanent is put in its place.

Visually Confused Words