patternpat·tern1 /ˈpætənˈpætərn/ noun [countableC]1the regular way in which something happens, changes, or is doneThe standards are expected toset a pattern for cleaner, more expensive fuels.
pattern ofa survey on the spending patterns of various nationalities
2pattern agreement/settlement/contract etc American EnglishAmEHUMAN RESOURCES an agreement etc between a company and a union based on other agreements with similar companiesHe disputed that the contract was a pattern settlement because it doesn’t match contracts at foreign steel plants.
Some executives are grumbling thatpattern bargaining is making competition with Japanese auto makers very difficult.
3be in a holding patternECONOMICS to be in a period of time when very little trading, spending etc is taking place because people are not sure what to do nextInvestors are in a holding pattern waiting for clear signals about the economy’s direction.