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patter

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 (such as paternosters) rapidly or mechanically
2 : to talk glibly and volubly
3 : to speak or sing rapid-fire words in a theatrical performance
—

patterer

play \ˈpa-tər-ər\ noun

Origin and Etymology of patter

Middle English patren, from paternoster

2

patter

noun

Definition of patter

1 : a specialized lingo : cant; especially : the jargon of criminals (such 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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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3

patter

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 and Etymology of patter

frequentative of 3pat

4

patter

noun

Definition of patter

: a quick succession of light sounds or pats

First Known Use of patter

1822

in the meaning defined above

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PATTER Defined for Kids

1

patter

verb pat·ter \ ˈpa-tər \

Definition of patter for Students

pattered; pattering
1 : to strike again and again with light blows
  • We could hear rain pattering on the roof.
2 : to run with quick light steps
2

patter

noun

Definition of patter for Students

: a series of quick light sounds
  • We heard the patter of little feet.

Learn More about patter

  1. See words that rhyme with patter Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for patter Spanish Central: Translation of patter Nglish: Translation of patter for Spanish speakers

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