Definition of PATTER (original) (raw)
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
1
: a specialized lingo : cant
especially : the jargon of criminals (such as thieves)
2
: the spiel of a street hawker or of a circus barker
4
a(1)
: the rapid-fire talk of a comedian
(2)
: the talk with which an entertainer accompanies a routine
b
: the words of a comic song or of a rapidly spoken usually humorous monologue introduced into such a song
1
: to strike or pat rapidly and repeatedly
2
: to run with quick light-sounding steps
: a quick succession of light sounds or pats
Synonyms
Examples of patter in a Sentence
Verb (1)
the toddler pattered on for what seemed like hours Noun (1)
their patter could be heard down the hall the patter of highbrow criticism that one hears in fashionable art galleries
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The droplets of rain on the stage jumped as each of her feet pattered on the LED screen stage. —
Bryan West, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2024 Rain pattered against windows and rattled off rooftops, sending streams of water across sidewalks and cobblestone streets and into gutters. —Les Carpenter, Washington Post, 31 July 2024
Most of the cast rises to meet the quality of his inimitable patter, particularly in the cases of Stiller, Claudia Schiffer, and Joe Pantoliano, upon whose backs the core mystery hinges. —Sean Malin, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2024 But at times, there’s a defensive, slightly cruel streak to his patter that can eclipse his better angels (of which there are many) and test the goodwill of those around him. —Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for patter 
Word History
Etymology
Verb (1)
Middle English patren, from paternoster
Verb (2)
frequentative of pat entry 3
First Known Use
Verb (1)
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
Noun (1)
1758, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb (2)
1611, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1
Noun (2)
1822, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of patter was in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near patter
Cite this Entry
“Patter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patter. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.
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Last Updated: 3 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences
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