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

Example Sentences

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

In a pattern that has dominated for weeks, a low-pressure trough will send moisture ashore, creating clouds that will flow far inland. —Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2023

That was a beautiful circle, and both of our characters had a very similar growth pattern. —Christy Piña, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 May 2023

Should people be concerned about a pattern of overstatements? —Brian Amaral, BostonGlobe.com, 26 May 2023

Both Mint Studios and Suites are laid out in a 1 – 1 pattern, so there won't be any neighbors to clamber over on your way to the lavatory. —Eric Rosen, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2023

However, researchers also believe that poor sleep patterns may aggravate asthma symptoms. —Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 25 May 2023

Manny was teaching him pass patterns, and Uzi was fast. —Cayla Harris, San Antonio Express-News, 24 May 2023

Hormones and sleep Your body makes different hormones at different times of the day, and this is directly related to both your sleep patterns and your circadian rhythm. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 24 May 2023

Shop Now This personalization is achieved through a 400-plus selection of fabrics, a wide range of patterns, colors, and textures. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 24 May 2023

Verb

All link macrocosm to microcosm, unit to pattern to fractal. —Cate Mcquaid, BostonGlobe.com, 9 May 2023

Our test gun shucked smoothly, shot straight, and patterned well. —Phil Bourjaily, Field & Stream, 20 Mar. 2023

One man wore a camouflage baseball cap and a bracelet patterned with an American flag. —Hannah Natanson, Anchorage Daily News, 19 Mar. 2023

So Hayslett instead opted for plush upholstery, ambient lighting, and patterned drapes to infuse warmth into each room. —Kate Mcgregor, ELLE Decor, 16 Mar. 2023

There are as many humans as dogs in here, ordering drinks at a second bar area, dressed in casual style — shorts and T-shirts, athleisure ensembles, patterned button-downs, cute summer dresses. —Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 16 May 2023

Gaga was also seen filming additional scenes with extras at Manhattan's City Hall while wearing an ensemble composed of a red jacket, a black and white patterned blouse, a black skirt and mesh black leggings. —Tommy Mcardle, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2023

For the event, Gage wore a black and white patterned top and matching pants, a white shirt and a pair of white sneakers. —Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 30 Apr. 2023

Her black-and-white-and-red prints from 2014 strikingly combine women with nature in figures patterned in prickly vines or with an apple tree growing from one of the women’s heads. —Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 28 Apr. 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

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

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

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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