patter
1
[ pat-er ]
/ ˈpæt ər /
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.
Words nearby patter
patronymic,
patroon,
patrón,
patsy,
patten,
patter,
patter song,
pattern,
pattern bargaining,
pattern bombing,
pattern practice
Definition for patter (2 of 3)
patter
2
[ pat-er ]
/ ˈpæt ər /
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
2
1375–1425; Middle English
pateren to say the paternoster, pray mechanically; see
pater
OTHER WORDS FROM patter
pat·ter·er, pat·er·ist, nounDefinition for patter (3 of 3)
Example sentences from the Web for patter
British Dictionary definitions for patter (1 of 2)
patter
1
/ (ˈpætə) /
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 feet
the patter of mice
Word Origin for patter
C17: from
pat
1
British Dictionary definitions for patter (2 of 2)
patter
2
/ (ˈpætə) /
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