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
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
Finding a new job is tough, but employees generally can collect paychecks through this holding pattern.
—
Courtenay Brown, Axios, 26 Nov. 2024
Athletic department budget projections are in a holding pattern with the NCAA and major college conferences considering a possible settlement of an antitrust lawsuit.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2024
Anxiety about the election has forced businesses of all sizes into an uncomfortable holding pattern that ultimately could negatively impact their bottom lines and the US economy as a whole, experts say.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024
The expression, however, describes the current-era team, which is once again in a holding pattern awaiting Cody Bellinger’s decision on whether to return to Chicago.
—Phil Rogers, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for holding pattern 
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Courtenay Brown, Axios, 26 Nov. 2024
Athletic department budget projections are in a holding pattern with the NCAA and major college conferences considering a possible settlement of an antitrust lawsuit.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2024
Anxiety about the election has forced businesses of all sizes into an uncomfortable holding pattern that ultimately could negatively impact their bottom lines and the US economy as a whole, experts say.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024
The expression, however, describes the current-era team, which is once again in a holding pattern awaiting Cody Bellinger’s decision on whether to return to Chicago.
—Phil Rogers, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for holding pattern
Dictionary Entries Near holding pattern
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holding%20pattern. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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