holding pattern

noun

1

: the usually oval course flown (as over an airport) by aircraft awaiting clearance especially to land

2

: a state of waiting or suspended activity or progress

Synonyms

• suspension
• suspense
• cold storage

Examples of holding pattern in a Sentence

Our plane was in a holding pattern for almost an hour because of the fog.

repair work on the bridge was in a holding pattern for the duration of the winter

Recent Examples on the Web

Sources say the program is likely mired in the same holding pattern as most local policies for the foreseeable future, hinging on who occupies City Hall come January. —John Surico, Curbed, 9 July 2025

Manchester United’s holding pattern before touchdown in Bilbao was evident again at Stamford Bridge. —Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 17 May 2025

This holding pattern often manifests in subtle yet consequential ways. —Ginni Saraswati, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Multiple federal agencies trying to implement sweeping changes and reductions sought by the Trump administration have been in a holding pattern as legal challenges make their way through the courts. —Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 25 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1952, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for holding pattern

• saturn

Kids Definition

holding pattern

noun

1

: the course flown (as over an airport) by an aircraft waiting for permission to land

2

: a state of waiting or suspended activity

the project is in a holding pattern