holding pattern
noun
Definition of holding pattern
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
From the M-W Editors
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
First Known Use of holding pattern
circa 1952
HOLDING PATTERN Defined for English Language Learners
holding pattern
noun
Definition of holding pattern for English Language Learners
-
: a course flown by an aircraft while waiting for permission to land
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