patter
1to 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.
to cause to patter.
to spatter with something.
a rapid succession of light tapping sounds: the steady patter of rain on the tin roof.
the act of pattering.
Origin of patter
1Other words for patter
Other definitions for patter (2 of 3)
meaningless, rapid talk; mere chatter; gabble.
the usually glib and rapid speech or talk used by a magician while performing, a barker at a circus or sideshow, a comedian or other entertainer, a vendor of questionable wares, or the like; stylized or rehearsed talk used to attract attention, entertain, etc.
amusing lines delivered rapidly by an entertainer or performer, as in a comic routine or in a song.
the jargon or cant of any class, group, etc.
to talk glibly or rapidly, especially with little regard to meaning; chatter.
to repeat a paternoster or other prayer in a rapid, mechanical way.
to recite or repeat (prayers, verses, etc.) in a rapid, mechanical way.
to repeat or say rapidly or glibly.
Origin of patter
2Other words from patter
- pat·ter·er, pat·er·ist, noun
How to use patter in a sentence
A flock of weary sheep pattered along the road, barnward bound, heavy eyed and bleating softly.
The Soldier of the Valley | Nelson LloydHer last words floated back from the depths of the corridor; a clock was striking and she had pattered off hastily.
Ancestors | Gertrude AthertonThe little faces shone like polished bronze; they held their hands out, their bare feet pattered in the sand.
The Wave | Algernon BlackwoodThe rain came down thick and fast, and pattered noisily among the leafless bushes.
Oliver Twist, Vol. II (of 3) | Charles DickensIt dripped and pattered off the skin-covering on to the boat and on to the rocks.
Left on Labrador | Charles Asbury Stephens
British Dictionary definitions for patter (1 of 2)
/ (ˈpætə) /
(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
a quick succession of light tapping sounds, as of feet: the patter of mice
Origin of patter
1British Dictionary definitions for patter (2 of 2)
/ (ˈpætə) /
the glib rapid speech of comedians, salesmen, etc
quick idle talk; chatter
the jargon of a particular group; lingo
(intr) to speak glibly and rapidly
to repeat (prayers) in a mechanical or perfunctory manner
Origin of patter
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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