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 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 plane initially went into a holding pattern to stay safe.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025
But the room, although dim, isn’t dark enough, so I switch my mind into the holding pattern that passes for attention.
From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood
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From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.