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. See More
Recent Examples on the Web That’s not entirely their fault—Shanley’s play is a jagged wound that has little patience for subtext. Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2023 The new Adventureland Treehouse is a place built for patience. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 16 Nov. 2023 While some in Israel were quick to call Kessler's death an act of antisemitism, local officials called for patience and calm and for a thorough investigation first. Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 16 Nov. 2023 Be Patient and Kind to Yourself Recovery is a journey with ups and downs, which is why patience and self-compassion are essential. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2023 Remember, cultivating the right entrepreneurial mindset is an ongoing process that requires patience, dedication and an ability to learn from mistakes. Dr. Rick Ruperto, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 At the same time, major players in Canada know their patience will pay off as the Americans are to expected to eventually return in big numbers, with that wave to fully arrive in the new year. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Nov. 2023 The patience and diligence of a true Virgo are reflected in Elba's recent insights on his own career path. Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 2 Nov. 2023 The child has serious disabilities that require intensive care and patience, including a chronic lung disease that requires frequent oxygen treatment, USA Today reported. Christina Coulter, Fox News, 2 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'patience.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near patience

Cite this Entry

“Patience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patience. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

patience

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

More from Merriam-Webster on patience

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!