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holding pattern Meaning & Definition

Phonetic codes: HH OW1 L D IH0 NG P AE0 T ER0 N

What Does Holding Pattern Mean?

Holding Pattern is used as a noun meaning A path taken by an aircraft waiting to land. It can also mean Any failure to advance; useless or unproductive activity.

Holding Pattern Definition (Noun)

  1. A path taken by an aircraft waiting to land.

    The plane flew in a holding pattern for half an hour because one runway was closed.

  2. Any failure to advance; useless or unproductive activity.

    This project is in a holding pattern until all the parts arrive.

Synonyms of Holding Pattern

The source does not list synonyms for this entry.

Holding pattern synonyms and antonyms →

Antonyms of Holding Pattern

No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.

Holding Pattern in a Sentence

The plane flew in a holding pattern for half an hour because one runway was closed.

This project is in a holding pattern until all the parts arrive.

The team is in a holding pattern until organizers decide whether the races can go ahead.

Word Forms & Grammar

holding pattern (plural holding patterns)

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