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 of holding pattern

• 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

So should investors expect these trades to build up momentum again, or are these holding patterns set to continue? —Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2026

The data reflect one of the ways that life has fallen into a holding pattern for many. —Bloomberg, Oc Register, 4 Mar. 2026

As for the Dolphins, they will likely be placed in a holding pattern because of the $54 million salary Tagovailoa is guaranteed in 2026. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026

Nobody inside Disney’s TV and streaming unit would ever say so out loud, but things have been in something of a holding pattern there over the past year or two as Walden competed for the CEO gig. —Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026

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