patter song

American  

noun

1. a comic song depending for its humorous effect on rapid enunciation of the words, occurring most commonly in comic opera and operetta.

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patter song British  

noun

1. music a humorous song or aria, the text of which consists of rapid strings of words

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Etymology

Origin of patter song

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

Over the years, it became an established tradition that Ko-Ko rewrite his patter song, “I’ve Got a Little List,” to keep the operetta’s satire topical.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

Mr. Brady pulled off Don Profondo’s patter song “Medaglie incomparabili,” a tongue-twisting list of precious objects, as an auctioneer’s spiel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 1, 2025

Evelyn's is a patter song and it’s very ga-ga-ga-ga-ga, because her brain is sort of everywhere.

From Salon • Oct. 26, 2023

This anxiety-drenched patter song from one of his friends, sung on the original cast album by Beth Howland, doesn’t do much to allay Bobby’s fears.

From New York Times • Nov. 28, 2021

CBS later noticed her in the 1970 production of the Stephen Sondheim musical “Company,” in which Ms. Howland played a neurotic bride, memorably delivering the patter song “Getting Married Today.”

From Washington Post • May 25, 2016