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
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
So, in early 1962, Merrell and the FDA were still in this weird, familiar holding pattern: waiting for clinical evidence, data that would either exonerate or further implicate thalidomide.
—Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2024
Behind the scenes, Democrats were left in an awkward holding pattern.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 19 July 2024
But first up on the witness stand was John Idol, CEO of Capri Holdings, who made clear the struggling Michael Kors brand and Capri, which is itself in a kind of holding pattern pending the deal’s closure, can’t afford to wait for the case to wind through the legal system.
—Evan Clark, WWD, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for holding pattern 
Phil Rogers, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
So, in early 1962, Merrell and the FDA were still in this weird, familiar holding pattern: waiting for clinical evidence, data that would either exonerate or further implicate thalidomide.
—Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2024
Behind the scenes, Democrats were left in an awkward holding pattern.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 19 July 2024
But first up on the witness stand was John Idol, CEO of Capri Holdings, who made clear the struggling Michael Kors brand and Capri, which is itself in a kind of holding pattern pending the deal’s closure, can’t afford to wait for the case to wind through the legal system.
—Evan Clark, WWD, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for holding pattern
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'holding pattern.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 5 Nov. 2024.
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