holding pattern

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The region’s major investors are in a holding pattern and haven’t announced changes to their investment strategies, Walters said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The Flightradar24 tracking website earlier showed planes circling above the airport in an apparent holding pattern.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

So, as it stands, both Jersey and the Isle of Man are in a holding pattern, waiting for their respective assisted dying bills to get pass into law.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

The FAA kept the debris response area, or DRA, active for another 71 minutes, leaving some flights in a holding pattern over the Caribbean.

From Salon • Jan. 12, 2026

The school week is like a holding pattern.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King