Definition
In a holding pattern, the turn made at the end of the outbound leg that reverses the aircraft's direction and aligns it back toward the holding fix on the inbound course. It is normally a 180-degree turn flown in the direction specified by the holding instruction (standard right turns unless otherwise issued).
Plain English
The turn that brings you back toward the fix you are holding over, after you have flown away from it. It points the airplane back the way it came so the next leg leads to the fix.
Context Anchor
Seen when flying IFR holding patterns, especially when timing or correcting the outbound leg before turning back toward the holding fix.
Derivation
Inbound simply means heading toward the reference point — in this case, the holding fix. The turn is named for what it accomplishes: bringing the aircraft inbound.
Why Pilots Care
Correct execution keeps the aircraft inside protected airspace and supports accurate timing on the inbound leg.
Intuition Check
Do not read inbound turn as just any turn made while entering the hold. It specifically means the turn that takes you from flying away from the fix to flying back toward it.
Example Sentence 1
After flying outbound for one minute, the pilot began the inbound turn to roll out on the holding course back toward the fix.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot begins timing the inbound leg once the aircraft levels out after the inbound turn.