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

The off-the-shoulder dress featured a shimmering aubergine tone, with dramatic, black flame-like patterning extending from the waist of the dress to the loose bodice and long sleeves. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 27 June 2025

The dress’ sharp patterning and flowing form wrap around Mrs. Obama like a kind of cultural syntax as both a historical reference and statement of style. —Najha Zigbi-Johnson, Essence, 30 Apr. 2025

The straps of the dress did not include the patterning and provided a slight fabric contrast. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 5 June 2025

This is especially true in the recent N.B.A. After many decades of dynastic patterning—the eighties Lakers and Celtics; the nineties Bulls; the Lakers and Spurs of the aughts; the Heat and Warriors of the twenty-tens—no team has repeated as champion in the past seven years. —Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 2 June 2025

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