What does the term holding refer to in aviation?

In aviation, the term holding refers to a specific maneuver where an aircraft maintains a predetermined altitude, speed, and pattern while awaiting further instruction from air traffic control. This procedure is often used when there is congestion in the airspace or when an aircraft is not yet ready to land, allowing it to remain safely in the air while managing traffic flow at an airport.

During a hold, the aircraft flies in a circular pattern around a specific waypoint or fix and typically makes a series of turns—usually left or right—to maintain its position until clearance is given to proceed. This practice ensures that the aircraft remains safely separated from others, as well as allows the pilots to manage fuel and workload effectively while waiting for a suitable opportunity to land.