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patter
1[ pat-er ]
/ ËpĂŠt Ér /
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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.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known asâŠ
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)
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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
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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