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
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
Sources say the program is likely mired in the same holding pattern as most local policies for the foreseeable future, hinging on who occupies City Hall come January.
—
John Surico, Curbed, 9 July 2025
Manchester United’s holding pattern before touchdown in Bilbao was evident again at Stamford Bridge.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 17 May 2025
This holding pattern often manifests in subtle yet consequential ways.
—Ginni Saraswati, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Multiple federal agencies trying to implement sweeping changes and reductions sought by the Trump administration have been in a holding pattern as legal challenges make their way through the courts.
—Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
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John Surico, Curbed, 9 July 2025
Manchester United’s holding pattern before touchdown in Bilbao was evident again at Stamford Bridge.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 17 May 2025
This holding pattern often manifests in subtle yet consequential ways.
—Ginni Saraswati, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Multiple federal agencies trying to implement sweeping changes and reductions sought by the Trump administration have been in a holding pattern as legal challenges make their way through the courts.
—Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holding%20pattern. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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