pat

[ pat ]

/ pæt /

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verb (used with object), pat·ted, pat·ting.

to strike lightly or gently with something flat, as with a paddle or the palm of the hand, usually in order to flatten, smooth, or shape: to pat dough into flat pastry forms.

to stroke or tap gently with the palm or fingers as an expression of affection, approbation, etc.

to strike (the floor, ground, etc.) with light footsteps.

verb (used without object), pat·ted, pat·ting.

to strike lightly or gently.

to walk or run with light footsteps.

noun

a light stroke, tap, or blow with the palm, fingers, or a flat object.

the sound of a light stroke or of light footsteps.

a small piece or mass, usually flat and square, formed by patting, cutting, etc.: a pat of butter.

OTHER WORDS FOR pat

8 square, cake, dab.

See synonyms for pat on Thesaurus.com

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Idioms about pat

a pat on the back, a word of praise, congratulations, or encouragement: Everyone needs a pat on the back now and then.

pat down, to pat or pass the hands over the body of (a clothed person) to detect concealed weapons, drugs, etc.

pat on the back, to praise, congratulate, or encourage: The boss patted him on the back for the deal he made yesterday.

Origin of pat

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English pat “blow, stroke,” apparently of expressive origin

OTHER WORDS FROM pat

un·pat·ted, adjective

Other definitions for pat (2 of 5)

pat²

[ pat ]

/ pæt /

adjective

exactly to the point or purpose; apt; opportune: a pat solution to a problem.

excessively glib; unconvincingly facile: His answers were too pat to suit the examining board.

learned, known, or mastered perfectly or exactly: to have something pat.

adverb

exactly or perfectly.

aptly; opportunely.

Origin of pat

First recorded in 1570–80; originally adverbial use of pat¹, as obsolete to hit pat “to strike accurately”

OTHER WORDS FROM pat

patness, nounpatter, noun

Other definitions for pat (3 of 5)

Pat

[ pat ]

/ pæt /

noun

a male given name, form of Patrick.

a female given name, form of Patricia.

Other definitions for pat (4 of 5)

PAT

Football. point after touchdown; points after touchdown.

Banking. preauthorized automatic transfer.

Other definitions for pat (5 of 5)

pat.

abbreviation

patent.

patented.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use pat in a sentence

After weeks of rumors suggesting that the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors might move the top two picks, both teams stood pat during a quiet night that didn’t see any of the top 14 picks traded while the broadcast unfolded.
On quiet night for NBA draft lottery selections, Anthony Edwards goes No. 1 to Timberwolves|Ben Golliver, Des Bieler|November 19, 2020|Washington Post
Meanwhile, remove the turkey legs from the refrigerator and pat dry.
Harissa-glazed turkey legs with sweet potatoes deliver big flavor on a budget|Becky Krystal|November 10, 2020|Washington Post
All three versions more or less agree, though, that Democrats will essentially stand pat in the House or pick up a few extra seats.
Our Forecast Thinks Democrats Will Keep The House … And Maybe Even Gain Seats|Nathaniel Rakich (nathaniel.rakich@fivethirtyeight.com)|October 7, 2020|FiveThirtyEight
After about 10 minutes, a female clinic police officer arrived on a bike and patted her down.
The Startling Reach and Disparate Impact of Cleveland Clinic’s Private Police Force|by David Armstrong|September 28, 2020|ProPublica

I pat it onto salmon filets before I slide them into the oven and sneak it between tightly stacked leaves of cabbage layered into a steamer basket.
Until I Can Go Back to My Favorite Restaurant, This Jerk Paste Is the Next Best Thing|Elazar Sontag|September 25, 2020|Eater
All this back patting, people say, has made our children lazy and created a sense of entitlement.
My Loser Kid Should Get a Trophy|Brandy Zadrozny|August 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Rain was patting the Bermuda grass, and it was the only sound for several miles.
The Death of a Rodeo Cowboy|Peter Richmond|May 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“Good work, Banzi,” Mugianis says, patting the “sometimes” tattoo that adorns her upper back.
Hallucinating Away a Heroin Addiction|Abby Haglage|May 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Turn the page, and there, in fresh ginghams, would be mom, baking pies with one hand while patting her towhead with the other.
Doug Kenney: The Odd Comic Genius Behind ‘Animal House’ and National Lampoon|Robert Sam Anson|March 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He started patting his .44 Magnum every once in a while and muttering, “Make my day.”
The Ballad of Johnny France|Richard Ben Cramer|January 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But if people will insist on patting a strange poet, they mustn't be surprised if they get a nasty bite!
Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 107, November 3, 1894|Various
"I dare not leave you too near the road when that cavalry passes, you might give me away," he said, patting his horse's neck.
The Courier of the Ozarks|Byron A. Dunn
"He likes the old home best," said Jess Cordyce, smiling at him and patting his rough back.
The Box-Car Children|Gertrude Chandler Warner
"You have worked yourself up to a fine pass," said the doctor, patting the agitated girl fondly as she leaned against his knee.
The Daisy Chain|Charlotte Yonge
He leaned back, smoking his cigar, patting the dog, and stirring the coffee that steamed in their chipped cups.
Summer|Edith Wharton

British Dictionary definitions for pat (1 of 4)

pat¹

/ (pæt) /

verb pats, patting or patted

to hit (something) lightly with the palm of the hand or some other flat surfaceto pat a ball

to slap (a person or animal) gently, esp on the back, as an expression of affection, congratulation, etc

(tr) to shape, smooth, etc, with a flat instrument or the palm

(intr) to walk or run with light footsteps

pat someone on the back informal to congratulate or encourage someone

noun

a light blow with something flat

a gentle slap

a small mass of somethinga pat of butter

the sound made by a light stroke or light footsteps

pat on the back informal a gesture or word indicating approval or encouragement

Word Origin for pat

C14: perhaps imitative

British Dictionary definitions for pat (2 of 4)

pat²

/ (pæt) /

adverb

Also: off pat exactly or fluently memorized or masteredhe recited it pat

opportunely or aptly

stand pat

mainly US and Canadian to refuse to abandon a belief, decision, etc
(in poker, etc) to play without adding new cards to the hand dealt

adjective

exactly right for the occasion; apta pat reply

too exactly fitting; gliba pat answer to a difficult problem

exactly righta pat hand in poker

Word Origin for pat

C17: perhaps adverbial use (``with a light stroke'') of pat 1

British Dictionary definitions for pat (3 of 4)

pat³

/ (pæt) /

noun

on one's pat Australian informal alone; on one's own

Word Origin for pat

C20: rhyming slang, from Pat Malone

British Dictionary definitions for pat (4 of 4)

Pat

/ (pæt) /

noun

an informal name for an Irishman

Word Origin for Pat

from Patrick

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

Other Idioms and Phrases with pat

pat

In addition to the idiom beginning with pat

pat on the back

also see:

stand pat

pat

OTHER WORDS FOR pat

Idioms about pat

Origin of pat

OTHER WORDS FROM pat

Other definitions for pat (2 of 5)

Origin of pat

OTHER WORDS FROM pat

Other definitions for pat (3 of 5)

Other definitions for pat (4 of 5)

Other definitions for pat (5 of 5)

Words related to pat

How to use pat in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for pat (1 of 4)

Word Origin for pat

British Dictionary definitions for pat (2 of 4)

Word Origin for pat

British Dictionary definitions for pat (3 of 4)

Word Origin for pat

British Dictionary definitions for pat (4 of 4)

Word Origin for Pat

Other Idioms and Phrases with pat