What does the term "hold short" mean in relation to taxiing?

The term "hold short" specifically indicates that the pilot should bring the aircraft to a complete stop before reaching a designated hold short line. This line is typically located before a runway or another area of controlled airspace where special clearance is required. The purpose of this instruction is to ensure that the aircraft does not inadvertently enter an active runway or conflict with other traffic without proper authorization.

This term is crucial for maintaining safety in the busy environment of an airport, as it allows for orderly and efficient traffic management. By holding short, pilots acknowledge that they need to wait for further instructions or clearance from air traffic control before proceeding, which is essential for preventing runway incursions.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the hold short procedure. For example, proceeding onto the runway or suggesting a speed limit reflects different operational contexts that do not pertain directly to the specific instructions of holding short.