traffic pattern

American  

noun

1. Aeronautics. a system of courses about an airfield that aircraft are assigned to fly when taking off, landing, or preparing to land.

2. any systematic movement of people or vehicles.

   The kitchen was designed to accommodate the family's traffic pattern.

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traffic pattern British  

noun

1. a pattern of permitted lanes in the air around an airport to which an aircraft is restricted

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Example Sentences

Expect to see a telling traffic pattern along the border between Washington and Idaho.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 24, 2023

When that project begins, Falcicchio said, Black Lives Matter Plaza’s traffic pattern will probably change again.

From Washington Post • Mar. 15, 2021

It is a strong test of golf, lacking only a reasonable traffic pattern to host big events.

From Washington Times • Dec. 31, 2019

“Shortly after takeoff, over the departure end of the runway, the pilot announced a mayday and entered the right traffic pattern for the runway,” the report said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 28, 2017

And in the intricate traffic pattern, as you try to find your way through, there’s no possibility of seeing anything.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck