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patter
1[ pat-er ]
/ ËpĂŠt Ér /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used without object)
to make a rapid succession of light taps: Raindrops patter on the windowpane.
to move or walk lightly or quickly: The child pattered across the room.
verb (used with object)
to cause to patter.
to spatter with something.
noun
a rapid succession of light tapping sounds: the steady patter of rain on the tin roof.
the act of pattering.
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Question 1 of 7
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Words nearby patter
patronymic, patroon, patsy, pattée, patten, patter, pattern, pattern bargaining, pattern bombing, patterning, patternmaker
Other definitions for patter (2 of 3)
patter2
[ pat-er ]
/ ËpĂŠt Ér /
noun
verb (used without object)
to talk glibly or rapidly, especially with little regard to meaning; chatter.
to repeat a paternoster or other prayer in a rapid, mechanical way.
verb (used with object)
to recite or repeat (prayers, verses, etc.) in a rapid, mechanical way.
to repeat or say rapidly or glibly.
Origin of patter
2First recorded in 1375â1425; Middle English pateren âto say the paternoster, pray quickly and mechanicallyâ; see pater
OTHER WORDS FROM patter
pat·ter·er, pat·er·ist, nounOther definitions for patter (3 of 3)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use patter in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for patter (1 of 2)
patter1
/ (ËpĂŠtÉ) /
verb
(intr) to walk or move with quick soft steps
to strike with or make a quick succession of light tapping sounds
(tr) rare to cause to patter
noun
a quick succession of light tapping sounds, as of feetthe patter of mice
Word Origin for patter
C17: from pat 1
British Dictionary definitions for patter (2 of 2)
patter2
/ (ËpĂŠtÉ) /
noun
the glib rapid speech of comedians, salesmen, etc
quick idle talk; chatter
the jargon of a particular group; lingo
verb
(intr) to speak glibly and rapidly
to repeat (prayers) in a mechanical or perfunctory manner
Word Origin for patter
C14: from Latin pater in Pater Noster Our Father
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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