1
: a temporary stop
2
a
: a break in a verse
b
: a brief suspension of the voice to indicate the limits and relations of sentences and their parts
3
: temporary inaction especially as caused by uncertainty : hesitation
4
a
: the sign denoting a fermata
b
: a mark (such as a period or comma) used in writing or printing to indicate or correspond to a pause of voice
5
: a reason or cause for pausing (as to reconsider)
a thought that should give one pause
6
: a function of an electronic device that pauses a recording
Examples of pause in a Sentence
Noun
There was a brief pause in the conversation.
After a pause the teacher continued the lesson.
He hit pause on the player and explained the significance of the song's lyrics.
Please hit the pause button on the remote control.
Verb
She paused for a few seconds before crossing the street.
We paused briefly to look at the scenery.
He talked for over an hour without pausing.
He picked up the remote control and paused the movie.
Recent Examples on the Web
Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
The verdict is still out as to whether September’s pullback in cattle futures is a temporary pause in an ongoing climb higher or the first sign of lasting relief in a costly beef cycle.
—Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Terry Moseley, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
The process went smoothly enough for Daria, except for the moment when the clerk in the internet café paused at her middle name while reviewing her paperwork.
—Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pause
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Noun
There was no question of Kirk’s first blast, no lingering pause from the home crowd.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
The verdict is still out as to whether September’s pullback in cattle futures is a temporary pause in an ongoing climb higher or the first sign of lasting relief in a costly beef cycle.
—Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
The Social Security Administration will continue to issue retirement and disability benefits, but will furlough 12% of its staff and pause marketing campaigns, according to the agency’s shutdown plan.
—Terry Moseley, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
The process went smoothly enough for Daria, except for the moment when the clerk in the internet café paused at her middle name while reviewing her paperwork.
—Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pause
Cite this Entry
“Pause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pause. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pause
1 of 2 noun1
: a temporary stop or rest
2
: the sign {fermata} placed over or under a musical note, chord, or rest to show that it is to be held longer than usual
3
: a reason for pausing
a thought that should give pause
pause
2 of 2 verb
paused; pausing
1
: to stop temporarily
2
: to linger for a time
pause on a high note
Etymology
Noun
Middle English pause "a temporary stop, pause," from Latin pausa "a pause" — related to repose entry 1
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