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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This dynamic highlights a recurring pattern: AI implementation often begins as a top-down initiative. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

Board Banana: Green and yellow foliage on the 24-ounce cold cup in FARM Rio’s existing Board Banana pattern with a banana straw topper. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2025

Verb

Mary’s hair is in tight, skull-close curls, her forehead and cheekbones high, dark and light swirls of wood grain patterning her skin. —Lamorna Ash, The Dial, 6 May 2025

Donning wide-lapel suits in rich colors, patterned shirts with exaggerated collars, and signature accessories like oversized tinted glasses and berets spoke to a kind of everyday hustler. —Essence, 5 May 2025

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

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

Rhymes for pattern

• saturn

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