Synonyms

patterning

American

[pat-er-ning] / ˈpæt ər nɪŋ /

noun

a design or decoration formed by the creative arrangement or formation of patterns.
the following of a specific pattern of movement, as in a dance or exercise.

the floor patterning of a folk dance.
a system of physical therapy in which a pattern of specific movements is practiced or imposed regularly as a way of improving, restoring, or stimulating muscular coordination, especially in brain-damaged or disabled persons.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

interpatterning

noun

Etymology

Origin of patterning

First recorded in 1860–65; pattern + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Similar to how cephalopods coordinate body shape and skin patterning, the synthetic smart skin can simultaneously control what it looks like and how it deforms, all within a single, soft material," Sun said.

From Science Daily • Feb. 6, 2026

The shrewd design’s geometric patterning reverberates against the trailblazing Bauhaus tapestries of Anni Albers, as much as those of Gutiérrez’s Oaxacan ancestors, for a work that travels through time and space.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2024

The pictures’ flatly painted skin and two-dimensional patterning in textiles and wallpaper are set into shimmering visual motion.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2024

By experimenting with mathematical patterning techniques, the team created two different types of models that allow farmers to create a protective layer of vaccinated cacao trees around unvaccinated trees.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2024

This praise went to Johnny’s head, but patterning his manners on Rab’s he tried not to show it.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023