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.

Origin of patter

1
First recorded in 1605–15; pat1 + -er6

SYNONYMS FOR patter

1 pat, beat, rap pelt.

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, noun

Definition for patter (3 of 3)

patter 3
[ pat-er ]
/ ˈpæt ər /

noun

a person or thing that pats.

Origin of patter

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