patter Hear it!

patter¹ Definition

pat·ter (pat′ər)

intransitive verb

  1. to make a patter
  2. to run or move along so as to make a patter

Etymology: freq. of pat

noun

a series of quick, light taps the patter of rain on leaves

patter² Definition

pat·ter (pat′ər)

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to speak or mumble rapidly or glibly; recite (prayers, etc.) mechanically or thoughtlessly

Etymology: ME pateren < pater, in paternoster, as pronounced in rapid, mechanical recitation

noun

  1. language peculiar to a group, class, etc., and not generally understood by outsiders; cant; jargon
  2. the glib, rapid speech of salespeople, comedians, magicians, etc.
  3. idle, meaningless chatter

patter² Related Forms

pat′·terer noun

patter³ Definition

pat·ter (pat′ər)

noun

a person or thing that pats

patter Synonyms

patter

n.

tapping, patting, sound; see noise 2.

patter Synonyms

patter

v.

tap, chatter, rattle; see sound 1.

patter Usage Examples

Object

foot: The rough sides of the canyon swept past her, her bare feet pattered on the ground.

Converse of object

  • hear: Next morning, I heard the pitter patter of my sisters moving around the house.
  • have: He has the arrogant patter of the policeman combined with the careful delivery of the part-time public speaker.
  • follow: The deep voice ceased its booming chant and all he could hear was a faint patter followed by dull thuds directly above him.
  • use: Don't try to use any clever sales patter.

Adjective modifier

  • usual: The weather was fine, dry and sunny, and all aboard were chatty about the usual dive patter.
  • gentle: Outside all was quiet save for the gentle patter of the rain on the windows, the storm having lost much of its ferocity.
  • tiny: One of the coolest childrenswear brands around for street-wise kids is expecting the tiny patter of feet.
  • great: Impressive and extensive Act including not just great songs but great patter, all round entertainment for all.
  • comic: The show is a dazzling display of dexterity, accompanied by a steady stream of comic patter.

Modifies a noun

  • song: He is not a natural comedian and makes heavy weather of his patter songs.
  • theme: A little while later Michael Weber suggested the actual ' Chaos and Order ' patter theme, which was incorporated immediately.

Followed by an intransitive particle

  • off: Ten o'clock passed, and I heard the footsteps of the maid as they pattered off to bed.
  • down: Shrapnel from the bursting AA shells pattered down, damaging the roofs in Norman Terrace in Rowlands Gill.

Preposition: of

  • foot: If all goes well they should hear the patter of tiny feet within a year.
  • rain: Outside all was quiet save for the gentle patter of the rain on the windows, the storm having lost much of its ferocity.
  • paw: Highlights in the current issue include: Animal Magic - Should you welcome the patter of tiny paws?

Noun used with modifier

  • pitter: Next morning, I heard the pitter patter of my sisters moving around the house.
  • sale: There is no overt sale patter; visitors are told they must find a teacher who suits them.
  • stage: Townes does manage to squeeze in the often repeated stage patter.