pat

¹ American  

[pat] / pæt /

verb (used with object)

patted, patting

1. to 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.

2. to stroke or tap gently with the palm or fingers as an expression of affection, approbation, etc.

3. to strike (the floor, ground, etc.) with light footsteps.

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verb (used without object)

patted, patting

1. to strike lightly or gently.

2. to walk or run with light footsteps.

noun

1. a light stroke, tap, or blow with the palm, fingers, or a flat object.

2. the sound of a light stroke or of light footsteps.

3. a small piece or mass, usually flat and square, formed by patting, cutting, etc..

   a pat of butter.

   Synonyms:

   dab, cake, square

idioms

1. a pat on the back, a word of praise, congratulations, or encouragement.

   Everyone needs a pat on the back now and then.

2. pat down, to pat or pass the hands over the body of (a clothed person) to detect concealed weapons, drugs, etc.

3. pat on the back, to praise, congratulate, or encourage.

   The boss patted him on the back for the deal he made yesterday.

pat ² American  

[pat] / pæt /

adjective

1. exactly to the point or purpose; apt; opportune.

   a pat solution to a problem.

2. excessively glib; unconvincingly facile.

   His answers were too pat to suit the examining board.

3. learned, known, or mastered perfectly or exactly.

   to have something pat.

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adverb

1. exactly or perfectly.

2. aptly; opportunely.

idioms

1. stand pat,

   1. to cling or hold firm to one's decision, policy, or beliefs.

      The government must stand pat in its policy.

   2. Poker. to play a hand as dealt, without drawing other cards.

2. down pat, mastered or learned perfectly: Also down cold

   If you're an actor, you have to get your lines down pat.

Pat ³ American  

[pat] / pæt /

noun

1. a male given name, form of Patrick.

2. a female given name, form of Patricia.

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PAT ⁴ American  

1. Football. point after touchdown; points after touchdown.

2. Banking. preauthorized automatic transfer.

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pat. ⁵ American  

abbreviation

1. patent.

2. patented.

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pat ¹ British  

/ pæt /

verb

1. to hit (something) lightly with the palm of the hand or some other flat surface

   to pat a ball

2. to slap (a person or animal) gently, esp on the back, as an expression of affection, congratulation, etc

3. (tr) to shape, smooth, etc, with a flat instrument or the palm

4. (intr) to walk or run with light footsteps

5. informal to congratulate or encourage someone

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noun

1. a light blow with something flat

2. a gentle slap

3. a small mass of something

   a pat of butter

4. the sound made by a light stroke or light footsteps

5. informal a gesture or word indicating approval or encouragement

pat ² British  

/ pæt /

adverb

1. Also: off pat.  exactly or fluently memorized or mastered

   he recited it pat

2. opportunely or aptly

3. 1. to refuse to abandon a belief, decision, etc

   2. (in poker, etc) to play without adding new cards to the hand dealt

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adjective

1. exactly right for the occasion; apt

   a pat reply

2. too exactly fitting; glib

   a pat answer to a difficult problem

3. exactly right

   a pat hand in poker

Pat ³ British  

/ pæt /

noun

1. an informal name for an Irishman

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pat ⁴ British  

/ pæt /

noun

1. informal alone; on one's own

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pat More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing pat

• stand pat

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Other Word Forms

• patness noun
• patter noun
• unpatted adjective

Etymology

Origin of pat¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English pat “blow, stroke,” apparently of expressive origin

Origin of pat²

First recorded in 1570–80; originally adverbial use of pat ¹, as obsolete to hit pat “to strike accurately”

Explanation

When you pat, you tap lightly with your hand. A sad friend might be comforted by a kind pat on the shoulder. But that sad friend would not be comforted by a pat, insincere, comment. Your grandfather might pat you on the head just like when you were little, even though you're taller than he is now. Dogs like getting a pat on the head, or maybe a pat of butter from the dinner table. When it's an adjective, pat means "way too simple" or "glib," as in "I asked a serious question — please don't give me a pat answer." To "have something down pat" is to know it by heart.

Example Sentences

As if to pat himself on the back, Borgli buttons the joke when Charlie responds that his grandparents might not be able to make it to the ceremony.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

A pat of butter melting into everything, a scatter of cheese, a cool spoonful of sour cream.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026

The central bank makes a sensible decision to stand pat on rates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

While they are expected to stand pat on interest rates, any remarks on the impact of the war on their respective economies will be closely followed.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

She couldn’t pat his horns or run her hands over his scales.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack