pattered; pattering; patters
: to say or speak in a rapid or mechanical manner
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
pattered; pattering; patters
1
: to strike or pat rapidly and repeatedly
2
: to run with quick light-sounding steps
: to cause to patter
Examples of patter in a Sentence
Verb (1)
the toddler pattered on for what seemed like hours
Recent Examples on the Web
Emily Chang, ABC News, 7 June 2026
Big shot guests popped up in the studio audience, including the actors Bryan Cranston, Paul Rudd, and Ryan Reynolds, who did a few bits and pattered about the host going off air; Colbert moved through the usual jokes about the day’s news.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026
These uploads are stripped-down by design: no narration, no drama, just rain pattering on canvas for hours at a stretch.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
Rochelle stepped up to raise the little ones: Jayden, who loves to patter across the floor in his push car, was not yet 2, and Briana, who required a nebulizer to help her breathe, was three months old.
—Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patter
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Verb
The interview was interrupted multiple times because of rain pattering against the barn roof where it was being held.
—Emily Chang, ABC News, 7 June 2026
Big shot guests popped up in the studio audience, including the actors Bryan Cranston, Paul Rudd, and Ryan Reynolds, who did a few bits and pattered about the host going off air; Colbert moved through the usual jokes about the day’s news.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026
These uploads are stripped-down by design: no narration, no drama, just rain pattering on canvas for hours at a stretch.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
Rochelle stepped up to raise the little ones: Jayden, who loves to patter across the floor in his push car, was not yet 2, and Briana, who required a nebulizer to help her breathe, was three months old.
—Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patter
Cite this Entry
“Patter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patter. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
patter
1 of 4 verb
pat·ter
ˈpat-ər 
: to talk quickly and smoothly or mechanically
patter
2 of 4 noun1
2
: fast talk used especially to attract attention or to entertain
patter
3 of 4 verb1
: to strike or pat rapidly and repeatedly
rain pattering on a roof
2
: to run with quick light-sounding steps
patter
4 of 4 noun
: a series of quick light sounds
the patter of little feet
Etymology
Verb
Middle English patren "to patter, chant prayers mechanically," from paternoster "Lord's Prayer, Our Father," derived from Latin pater noster "our father" (first words of the prayer)
Verb
from pat "to tap or strike"
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