How to Pronounce "holding pattern"
expression
ˈhoʊɫdɪŋ/ /ˈpætɝn
HOHLD-ing PAT-ern
hˈəʊldɪŋ/ /pˈætən
HOHLD-ing PAT-uhn
Definition
A holding pattern is a situation where something or someone stays in the same state, not moving forward, often while waiting for a decision or change. It is also a term from aviation, meaning a plane flies in a pattern while waiting to land.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈhoʊɫdɪŋ/ /ˈpætɝn
British English
hˈəʊldɪŋ/ /pˈætən
Simplified Pronunciation
US
HOHLD-ing PAT-ern
UK
HOHLD-ing PAT-uhn
Listen in Context
The airplane stayed in a holding pattern before landing.
Our project is in a holding pattern until we get approval.
She felt stuck in a holding pattern at her job.
We're in a holding pattern while the boss decides what to do next.