patterning

noun

pat·​tern·​ing ˈpa-tər-niŋ 

1

: decoration, composition, or configuration according to a pattern

2

: physical therapy especially for neurological impairment based on a theory holding that repeated manipulation of body parts to simulate normal motor developmental activity (such as crawling or walking) promotes neurological development or repair

Examples of patterning in a Sentence

The wallpaper is decorated with floral patterning.

Recent Examples on the Web

All over the dress, shimmering sequins created bursts of firework-like patterning, with varied tones of metallic silver. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 17 May 2026

Without those two capabilities, everything downstream — the patterning, the regrowth, the reconstruction — is simply unavailable. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026

The acrylic-yarn palette of fuchsia, cyan, chartreuse, and orange is closer to a slot machine mid-spin or a glitch on a TV screen than to traditional patterning. —María Carri, Artforum, 16 Apr. 2026

The coloring and low profile on this design still feels neutral while adding a little visual interest with the ornate patterning. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

patterning

noun

pat·​tern·​ing

: physical therapy especially for neurological impairment based on a theory holding that repeated manipulation of body parts to simulate normal motor developmental activity (as crawling or walking) promotes neurological development or repair