Definition
An ATC instruction directing a pilot to stop and remain clear of a specified point — typically a runway, taxiway, or marked holding position — and to not cross it until further clearance is received. The pilot must read back the hold short instruction, including the runway or location, and may not proceed past the holding point without explicit ATC authorization.
Plain English
Stop before the line ATC names, and don't cross it until they tell you it's okay. Read the instruction back so the controller knows you heard it correctly.
Context Anchor
Heard during taxi, before crossing or entering a runway, or when ATC needs an aircraft to wait at a specific point on the airport surface.
Derivation
"Hold" here means to stay in place, and "short" means before — so "hold short of runway 27" means stop before reaching runway 27. The phrase is deliberately short and unambiguous because it is used in time-critical ground movement.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures safe separation from other traffic and prevents runway incursions.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “hold short” means slow down, pause briefly, or continue if the way looks clear. It means stop before the named point and wait for a new clearance or instruction.
Example Sentence 1
Tower instructed us to taxi to runway 9 via Alpha and hold short of runway 14, so we stopped at the hold line and waited for clearance to cross.
Example Sentence 2
While taxiing to the ramp, ATC instructed the aircraft to hold short of the active runway.