patience
noun
pa·tience
ˈpā-shən(t)s
1
: the capacity, habit, or fact of being patient: such as
a
: the ability to accept obstacles or delays in a calm and self-possessed way
The longest lines are always for the barbecue, and those with the patience to wait will find out why.—Danielle Ames
b
: the ability to act with calm or restraint under provocation or strain
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
I don't have much patience for that kind of behavior.
The team continues to play poorly, and many fans are starting to lose patience.
c
: the ability to persevere over a long period of time despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity
I don't have the patience to do crossword puzzles.
… a complex bureaucracy that requires endless patience to navigate.—Tara Henley
2
chiefly British
: solitaire sense 2
Cite this Entry
“Patience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patience. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.
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