patience

noun

pa·​tience ˈpā-shən(t)s How to pronounce patience (audio)
1
: the capacity, habit, or fact of being patient
2
chiefly British : solitaire sense 2

Examples of patience in a Sentence

To be a biographer is a somewhat peculiar endeavor. It seems to me it requires not only the tact, patience, and thoroughness of a scholar but also the stamina of a horse. Nancy Milford, Vanity Fair, August 2001
… in this time of bioethical conundrums, it is good to know that patience, good will, and personal morality will untie far more intellectual knots than the disarray of rancor, conflict, and special interests … Sherwin B. Nuland, New Republic, 13 Dec. 1999
Mind-numbing delays and irrelevant search results are enough to try the patience of the most saintly Web surfers. Neil Gross et al., Business Week, 14 June 1999
After a while, their ideological certitudes tried the patience of their own peoples … Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., New Yorker, 16 Nov. 1992
I don't have the patience to wait in line for hours just to buy a ticket. Investors need to have patience. The economy will improve soon. She treated her students with great patience and humor. I don't have the patience to do crossword puzzles.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This can take time and patience, especially in rush hour, with luggage in tow. Will McGough, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 These organizations typically feature mentorship programs, clear communication channels and patience for the learning curve that comes with professional development. Brendan Keegan, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025 To reset the ledger, Mark Daigneault and his staff need to instill patience. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 22 June 2025 The press — no less the Room 9 press corps — can be a tough bunch and have tried the patience of many a mayor. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for patience

Word History

Etymology

see patient entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of patience was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Patience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patience. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

patience

noun
pa·​tience ˈpā-shən(t)s How to pronounce patience (audio)
: the quality or state of being patient

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