The meaning of PAUSE is a temporary stop. How to use pause in a sentence. a short period in which something such as a sound or an activity is stopped before starting…. pause synonyms, pause pronunciation, pause translation, English dictionary definition of pause. suspension; interruption; a temporary stop: Put the tape on pause.; a momentary hesitation: He … 8 meanings: 1. to cease an action temporarily; stop 2. to hesitate; delay 3. to interrupt temporarily the operation of (a.... Click for more definitions. Definition of pause verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. pause (pôz), n., v., paused, paus•ing. a temporary stop or rest, esp. in speech or action: a short pause after each stroke of the oar. a cessation of activity because of doubt or uncertainty; a momentary … Pause definition: To cease or suspend an action temporarily.