pat
1to strike lightly or gently with something flat, as with a paddle or the palm of the hand, usually in order to flatten, smooth, or shape: to pat dough into flat pastry forms.
to stroke or tap gently with the palm or fingers as an expression of affection, approbation, etc.
to strike (the floor, ground, etc.) with light footsteps.
to strike lightly or gently.
to walk or run with light footsteps.
a light stroke, tap, or blow with the palm, fingers, or a flat object.
the sound of a light stroke or of light footsteps.
a small piece or mass, usually flat and square, formed by patting, cutting, etc.: a pat of butter.
Idioms about pat
a pat on the back, a word of praise, congratulations, or encouragement: Everyone needs a pat on the back now and then.
pat down, to pat or pass the hands over the body of (a clothed person) to detect concealed weapons, drugs, etc.
pat on the back, to praise, congratulate, or encourage: The boss patted him on the back for the deal he made yesterday.
Origin of pat
1Other words for pat
Other words from pat
- un·pat·ted, adjective
Other definitions for pat (2 of 5)
excessively glib; unconvincingly facile: His answers were too pat to suit the examining board.
learned, known, or mastered perfectly or exactly: to have something pat.
exactly or perfectly.
aptly; opportunely.
Origin of pat
2Other words from pat
- patness, noun
- patter, noun
Other definitions for Pat (3 of 5)
Other definitions for PAT (4 of 5)
Football. point after touchdown; points after touchdown.
Banking. preauthorized automatic transfer.
Other definitions for pat. (5 of 5)
patent.
patented.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use pat in a sentence
After weeks of rumors suggesting that the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors might move the top two picks, both teams stood pat during a quiet night that didn’t see any of the top 14 picks traded while the broadcast unfolded.
On quiet night for NBA draft lottery selections, Anthony Edwards goes No. 1 to Timberwolves | Ben Golliver, Des Bieler | November 19, 2020 | Washington PostMeanwhile, remove the turkey legs from the refrigerator and pat dry.
Harissa-glazed turkey legs with sweet potatoes deliver big flavor on a budget | Becky Krystal | November 10, 2020 | Washington PostAll three versions more or less agree, though, that Democrats will essentially stand pat in the House or pick up a few extra seats.
Our Forecast Thinks Democrats Will Keep The House … And Maybe Even Gain Seats | Nathaniel Rakich (nathaniel.rakich@fivethirtyeight.com) | October 7, 2020 | FiveThirtyEightAfter about 10 minutes, a female clinic police officer arrived on a bike and patted her down.
The Startling Reach and Disparate Impact of Cleveland Clinic’s Private Police Force | by David Armstrong | September 28, 2020 | ProPublicaI pat it onto salmon filets before I slide them into the oven and sneak it between tightly stacked leaves of cabbage layered into a steamer basket.
Until I Can Go Back to My Favorite Restaurant, This Jerk Paste Is the Next Best Thing | Elazar Sontag | September 25, 2020 | Eater
All this back patting, people say, has made our children lazy and created a sense of entitlement.
Rain was patting the Bermuda grass, and it was the only sound for several miles.
“Good work, Banzi,” Mugianis says, patting the “sometimes” tattoo that adorns her upper back.
Turn the page, and there, in fresh ginghams, would be mom, baking pies with one hand while patting her towhead with the other.
Doug Kenney: The Odd Comic Genius Behind ‘Animal House’ and National Lampoon | Robert Sam Anson | March 1, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTHe started patting his .44 Magnum every once in a while and muttering, “Make my day.”
But if people will insist on patting a strange poet, they mustn't be surprised if they get a nasty bite!
"I dare not leave you too near the road when that cavalry passes, you might give me away," he said, patting his horse's neck.
The Courier of the Ozarks | Byron A. Dunn"He likes the old home best," said Jess Cordyce, smiling at him and patting his rough back.
The Box-Car Children | Gertrude Chandler Warner"You have worked yourself up to a fine pass," said the doctor, patting the agitated girl fondly as she leaned against his knee.
The Daisy Chain | Charlotte YongeHe leaned back, smoking his cigar, patting the dog, and stirring the coffee that steamed in their chipped cups.
Summer | Edith Wharton
British Dictionary definitions for pat (1 of 4)
/ (pæt) /
to hit (something) lightly with the palm of the hand or some other flat surface: to pat a ball
to slap (a person or animal) gently, esp on the back, as an expression of affection, congratulation, etc
(tr) to shape, smooth, etc, with a flat instrument or the palm
(intr) to walk or run with light footsteps
pat someone on the back informal to congratulate or encourage someone
a light blow with something flat
a gentle slap
a small mass of something: a pat of butter
the sound made by a light stroke or light footsteps
pat on the back informal a gesture or word indicating approval or encouragement
Origin of pat
1British Dictionary definitions for pat (2 of 4)
/ (pæt) /
Also: off pat exactly or fluently memorized or mastered: he recited it pat
opportunely or aptly
stand pat
mainly US and Canadian to refuse to abandon a belief, decision, etc
(in poker, etc) to play without adding new cards to the hand dealt
exactly right for the occasion; apt: a pat reply
too exactly fitting; glib: a pat answer to a difficult problem
exactly right: a pat hand in poker
Origin of pat
2British Dictionary definitions for pat (3 of 4)
/ (pæt) /
on one's pat Australian informal alone; on one's own
Origin of pat
3British Dictionary definitions for Pat (4 of 4)
/ (pæt) /
an informal name for an Irishman
Origin of Pat
4Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with pat
In addition to the idiom beginning with pat
- pat on the back
also see:
- stand pat
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
Browse