pattern

1 of 2

noun

pat·​tern ˈpa-tərn 

1

: a form or model proposed for imitation : exemplar

2

: something designed or used as a model for making things

a dressmaker's pattern

3

: an artistic, musical, literary, or mechanical design or form

the geometrical pattern of the carpet

the strict pattern of rhythm and rhyme for a sonnet

—Gigi Marino

4

: a natural or chance configuration

frost patterns

the pattern of events

5

dated : a length of fabric sufficient for an article (as of clothing)

6

a

: the distribution of shrapnel, bombs on a target, or shot from a shotgun

b

: the grouping made on a target by bullets

7

: a reliable sample of traits, acts, tendencies, or other observable characteristics of a person, group, or institution

a behavior pattern

spending patterns

the prevailing pattern of speech

8

a

: the flight path prescribed for an airplane that is coming in for a landing

b

: a prescribed route to be followed by a pass receiver in football

9

: test pattern

10

: a discernible coherent system based on the intended interrelationship of component parts

foreign policy patterns

11

: frequent or widespread incidence

a pattern of dissent

a pattern of violence

patterned

ˈpa-tərnd 

adjective

patternless adjective

pattern

2 of 2

verb

patterned; patterning; patterns

transitive verb

1

dialectal, chiefly England

a

: match

b

: imitate

2

: to make, adapt, or fashion according to a pattern

3

: to furnish, adorn, or mark with a design

intransitive verb

: to form a pattern

Synonyms

Noun

• design
• figure
• motif
• motive

Choose the Right Synonym for pattern

model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation.

model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

Examples of pattern in a Sentence

Noun

The dishes have a floral pattern around the rim.

The fabric comes in different colors and patterns.

The rug is decorated with a geometric pattern.

The shadows made a pattern of lines on the ground.

They are studying behavior patterns among high-school students.

Analysts are noticing different spending patterns by consumers.

The trees followed a characteristic pattern of growth.

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Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These highly coveted gloves keep you warm with vegan micro-suede palms, a cozy wool-like back with distinctive checkerboard pattern, and a special conductive material sewn into both index fingers that works on touchscreens. —Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2023

Dries Van Noten floral coat Play with patterns in Dries Van Noten’s evening coat. —Porter Simmons, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2023

This tartan trench coat is a versatile style enhancer, effortlessly elevating any outfit with its varied plaid patterns. —Poppy Morgan, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2023

Not the same cars, and not the same asphalt, obviously, but the same pattern of traffic. —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2023

Choose from 30 patterns in sizes S, M, and L while the slippers are on sale for just $10. —Carly Totten, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2023

Neuroscientists have shown that our brains are biologically wired for beauty: The neural mechanisms that influence attention and perception have adapted to notice color, form, proportion and pattern. —Stephanie Acker, The Conversation, 22 Nov. 2023

The ruling Friday by the 4th District Court of Appeal is a win for the Firearm Violence Research Center based at UC Davis and others studying patterns of gun violence. —Kristina Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Nov. 2023

These patterns are different from those who give directly to charitable organizations. —Ruth K. Hansen, Discover Magazine, 20 Nov. 2023

Verb

Each sleek piece is rooted in technicality, patterned for ease of movement, and protects against winter’s coldest and wettest days. —Sunset Magazine, 16 Nov. 2023

Plus, there’s a color for every outfit — choose from tan, black, or green, all of which have patterned laces to put some fun in these functional shoes. —Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023

In the video, she’s seen running the field with the collection’s colorful athletic socks and playfully patterned soccer ball. —Anna Tingley, Variety, 14 Nov. 2023

One young woman wore a scarf patterned with the Star of David. —Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2023

Here, pops of lime green and navy enter in the form of patterned throw pillows to dress up an otherwise neutral color scheme. —Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2023

The union initiated negotiations with all three automakers at once, breaking from recent history when UAW leaders would bargain with each automaker individually, select a lead company to focus efforts on and then pattern the remaining deals off a leading tentative agreement. —Michael Wayland, NBC News, 28 Oct. 2023

Played by Idara Victor, Tina has a style that is often associated with the Black working women of the ‘70s: bright pantsuits, gorgeous gowns for outings, and patterned wrap dresses à la Diane Von Furstenberg. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 19 Oct. 2023

In the beauty world, there are always new trends and techniques to try (patterned pantyhose nails, anyone?). —Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 18 Oct. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English patron, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin patronus

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing pattern

• male-pattern baldness
• fit the pattern of
• pattern oneself on
• pattern oneself after
• set the pattern
• pattern (something) on
• dress pattern
• holding pattern
• set pattern
• re-pattern
• test pattern

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• male-pattern baldness
• fit the pattern of
• pattern oneself on
• pattern oneself after
• set the pattern
• pattern (something) on
• dress pattern
• holding pattern
• set pattern
• re-pattern
• test pattern

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Kids Definition

pattern

1 of 2 noun

pat·​tern ˈpat-ərn 

1

: something worth imitating or using as a guide

2

: a model or guide for making something

a dress pattern

3

: an artistic form, figure, or design

chintz with a small pattern

4

: a set of characteristics that are displayed repeatedly

behavior patterns

patterned

-ərnd

adjective

pattern

2 of 2 verb

: to make or design by following a pattern

Etymology

Noun

Middle English patron "pattern," from early French patron (same meaning), from Latin patronus "patron, patron saint," from earlier patronus "defender, protector," from patr-, pater "father" — related to padre, paternal, patron

Medical Definition

pattern

noun

pat·​tern ˈpat-ərn 

1

: a model for making a mold used to form a casting

2

: a reliable sample of traits, acts, tendencies, or other observable characteristics of a person, group, or institution

patterns of behavior

3

: an established mode of behavior or cluster of mental attitudes, beliefs, and values that are held in common by members of a group

Legal Definition

pattern

noun

pat·​tern ˈpa-tərn 

1

: a form or model proposed for imitation

2

: a recognizably consistent series of related acts

found a pattern of discrimination in that company

a pattern of racketeering activity