patterning

noun

pat·​tern·​ing ˈpa-tər-niŋ How to pronounce patterning (audio)
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 lug patterning was designed in part to shed debris, which is helpful on trails, but only advanced barefoot runners will feel comfortable on rocky or uneven trails with a shoe this minimalistic. Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 19 Jan. 2024 First impressions are likely not to stick: Their imposing scale, the patterning of their frocks, and, most important, the titles of the work reframe how they are read. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2023 Through speaking with the Osage community, Gladstone and West made sure the blankets were held to demonstrate the patterning which showed what the status of a blanket was, thus honoring the women of the community. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 16 Dec. 2023 If, as is suspected, clicks are empty of significance but codas refer to something, then sperm whales, too, would have arrived at duality of patterning. Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023 What soon becomes evident is the degree to which patterning is a critical element in Castle’s drawings. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2023 How to Grow a Spine One of the classic models for studying the tempo of embryonic development is the patterning of the spine. Quanta Magazine, 18 Sep. 2023 Seek the help of a professional counselor who can work through some of the trauma and negative patterning and beliefs that were instilled in you from a young age. Annie Lane, oregonlive, 3 Sep. 2023 Its brownish-beige patterning provides camouflage in leaf litter, and its general appearance as a non-venomous serpent isn’t too different from venomous vipers. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'patterning.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of patterning was in 1860

Dictionary Entries Near patterning

Cite this Entry

“Patterning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patterning. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on patterning

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