patience

noun

pa·​tience ˈpā-shən(t)s How to pronounce patience (audio)
1
: the capacity, habit, or fact of being patient
2
chiefly British : solitaire sense 2

Examples of patience in a Sentence

To be a biographer is a somewhat peculiar endeavor. It seems to me it requires not only the tact, patience, and thoroughness of a scholar but also the stamina of a horse. Nancy Milford, Vanity Fair, August 2001
… in this time of bioethical conundrums, it is good to know that patience, good will, and personal morality will untie far more intellectual knots than the disarray of rancor, conflict, and special interests … Sherwin B. Nuland, New Republic, 13 Dec. 1999
Mind-numbing delays and irrelevant search results are enough to try the patience of the most saintly Web surfers. Neil Gross et al., Business Week, 14 June 1999
After a while, their ideological certitudes tried the patience of their own peoples … Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., New Yorker, 16 Nov. 1992
I don't have the patience to wait in line for hours just to buy a ticket. Investors need to have patience. The economy will improve soon. She treated her students with great patience and humor. I don't have the patience to do crossword puzzles.
Recent Examples on the Web That means policymakers and analysts could emphasize caution and patience until more data comes in — and that they won’t necessarily be shaken by data showing housing and gasoline as the main sticking points. Rachel Siegel, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 This patience and restraint allows their songs to reveal deep oceans of emotion with the ease of a summer breeze fluttering ripples across a pond. Vrinda Jagota, SPIN, 11 Mar. 2024 This spring break, travelers may want to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and lots of patience. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2024 The show is sure to feature more of Chip’s expert construction and goofy jokes, along with Joanna’s always-inspirational design and enduring patience for Chip’s aforementioned humor (as exhibited in the trailer). Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2024 Sidekick to: Buffy Summers The once-mousy No. 2 behind Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar)'s superhero, Willow (a nerd-cool pioneer) tempers the vampire slayer's quip-spouting, melodramatic ways with patience, reason, and a readiness to roam the nether regions of the demon world. Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024 In the Margaret Thatcher biopic, Streep sports a stiff upper lip and no patience for snobby misogyny as England's first female prime minister. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024 The children are also a major disadvantage to long recharging times, because their patience is limited. Diana Furchtgott-Roth, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 But due to Berkshire’s size, buying shares to build a large position in these companies is a long-term undertaking that requires patience, Buffett said. Eva Rothenberg, CNN, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'patience.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see patient entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of patience was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near patience

Cite this Entry

“Patience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patience. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

patience

noun
pa·​tience ˈpā-shən(t)s How to pronounce patience (audio)
: the quality or state of being patient

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