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patter

1
[ pat-er ]
/ ˈpét ər /
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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
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as


Origin of patter

1
First recorded in 1605–15; pat1 + -er6

Other definitions for patter (2 of 3)

patter2
[ pat-er ]
/ ˈpét ər /

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

2
First recorded in 1375–1425; Middle English pateren “to say the paternoster, pray quickly and mechanically”; see pater

OTHER WORDS FROM patter

pat·ter·er, pat·er·ist, noun

Other definitions for patter (3 of 3)

patter3
[ pat-er ]
/ ˈpét ər /

noun
a person or thing that pats.

Origin of patter

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
/ (ˈpétə) /

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
/ (ˈpétə) /

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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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