formal
: while waiting for (something)
He is being held in jail pending trial.
She received a four-year sentence and is currently out on bail pending appeal.
formal
1
: not yet decided or acted on
bills pending in Congress
a pending visa application
The results of the investigation are pending.
There are lawsuits pending against the company.
2
: happening or likely to happen soon
the company's pending [=impending] move to a new location
Cite this Entry
“Pending.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/pending. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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