Plain English Meaning
A holding pattern is an oval flight path the pilot flies in circles to wait. The standard version uses right turns. The pattern has two straight sections joined by two half-circle turns, making a shape like a racetrack.
Full Definition
A racetrack-shaped flight pattern flown at a designated fix using right-hand turns, consisting of two one-minute legs (at or below 14,000 feet MSL) connected by 180-degree turns, used to hold an aircraft within protected airspace while awaiting further clearance.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying when air traffic control or a published procedure tells a to hold at a .