First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1patter
verb pat·ter \ˈpa-tər\
Definition of PATTER
transitive verb
: to say or speak in a rapid or mechanical manner
intransitive verb
1
: to recite prayers (as paternosters) rapidly or mechanically
2
: to talk glibly and volubly
3
: to speak or sing rapid-fire words in a theatrical performance
— pat·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun
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Origin of PATTER
Middle English patren, from paternoster
2patter
noun
Definition of PATTER
1
: a specialized lingo : cant; especially : the jargon of criminals (as thieves)
2
: the spiel of a street hawker or of a circus barker
3
: empty chattering talk
4
a (1) : the rapid-fire talk of a comedian (2) : the talk with which an entertainer accompanies a routine b : the words of a comic song or of a rapidly spoken usually humorous monologue introduced into such a song
First Known Use of PATTER
1758
3patter
verb
Definition of PATTER
intransitive verb
1
: to strike or pat rapidly and repeatedly
2
: to run with quick light-sounding steps
transitive verb
: to cause to patter
Origin of PATTER
frequentative of 3pat
First Known Use: 1611
4patter
noun
Definition of PATTER
: a quick succession of light sounds or pats
First Known Use of PATTER
1844
PATTER Defined for Kids
1patter
verb pat·ter \ˈpa-tər\
pat·teredpat·ter·ing
Definition of PATTER for Kids
1
: to strike again and again with light blows <We could hear rain pattering on the roof.>
2
: to run with quick light steps
2patter
noun
Definition of PATTER for Kids
: a series of quick light sounds <We heard the patter of little feet.>
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