pat-a-cake

[ pat-uh-keyk ]
/ ˈpæt əˌkeɪk /

noun

a children's game in which a child claps hands alone and with another child while chanting a nursery rhyme.
Also patty-cake.

Origin of pat-a-cake

First recorded in 1870–75; after the opening words of a rhyme that accompanies such play

Words nearby pat-a-cake

pasture rose, pasty, pasty-faced, pat, pat on the back, pat-a-cake, pat-down, pat., pat. off., pat. pend., pataca

Example sentences from the Web for pat-a-cake

  • Barby stooped to take the little terrier's head between her hands and pat-a-cake it back and forth with an affectionate caress.

    Georgina of the Rainbows |Annie Fellows Johnston

  • Even baby has its "pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake," and is lulled to sleep with visions of a coach and six little ponies.

    Trifles for the Christmas Holidays |H. S. Armstrong