pause

1 of 2

noun

ˈpȯz 

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

pause

2 of 2

verb

paused; pausing

intransitive verb

1

: to stop temporarily

2

: to linger for a time

transitive verb

: to cause to pause : stop

Synonyms of pause

Noun

• lull
• breath
• interruption
• break
• recess
• rest

Verb

• hesitate
• break

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

Noun

After a pause earlier this month to make way for the WGA talks, negotiation are set to pick up with the Sean Astin-run SAG-AFTRA in June, if not sooner. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2026

Instead of plowing ahead with the current design, perhaps a pause is warranted. —Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026

Verb

Though a fragile ceasefire enacted on April 7 paused the bombing of Iran, the plant was rocked by nearby missile strikes four times during the conflict, with one strike killing a security guard and damaging an outbuilding. —Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 10 Apr. 2026

In the wake of Paul and Mortensen's ongoing legal battle, multiple sources also confirmed to PEOPLE in March that production had paused for the fifth season of Mormon Wives after Paul's fellow cast members refused to film with her. —Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Latin pausa, from Greek pausis, from pauein to stop

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing pause

• give (someone) pause
• give (someone) pause for thought
• without pause

Rhymes for pause

• ahs
• baas
• cause
• clause
• claws
• coz
• daws
• draws
• flaws
• gauze
• gnaws
• haws

Kids Definition

pause

1 of 2 noun

ˈpȯz 

1

: 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