Plain English Meaning

A switch on the DME that tells it to keep showing the distance from the station you were just tuned to, even though you've now changed your main radio to a new station.

Full Definition

In the context of DME (Distance Measuring Equipment), HOLD is a function that locks the DME receiver onto the frequency of a previously tuned station so that distance information continues to be displayed even after the pilot tunes the primary navigation radio to a different VOR or facility.

Context Anchor

Seen as a button, switch, or annunciation on some DME and navigation radio units.

Derivation

From the everyday sense of 'hold' meaning to keep or retain something in place. Here it means the DME holds onto the old station's distance signal instead of switching when you retune.

Why Pilots Care

Prevents loss of distance information during momentary signal fades, reducing pilot workload and maintaining continuous on or in .