holding pattern

Definition

A path taken by an aircraft waiting to land.

Example Sentences

• "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."
• "All of Sellafield is in a holding pattern, trying to keep waste safe until it can be consigned to the ultimate strongroom: the geological disposal facility (GDF), bored hundreds of metres into the Earth’s rock, a project that could cost another £53bn."