English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

pater

PAY-tuh
Quiz me More like this

Pater (noun) means an old-fashioned or humorous British term for one's father. Example: “He asked the pater for permission to borrow the car.”

noun
1
An old-fashioned or humorous British term for one's father.
"He asked the pater for permission to borrow the car."

How to use pater

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA dated, often jokingly upper-class British way of saying "father."

When to use it

Old-fashioned and mostly used humorously or in period fiction today.

Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like pater.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Plural
paters
Test yourself on “pater” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He asked the _____ for permission to borrow the car.

Etymology

Borrowed directly from Latin pater, "father."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for pater

See all rhymes for pater →

Frequently asked questions

What does “pater” mean?
The word “pater” means an old-fashioned or humorous British term for one's father. In plain terms, a dated, often jokingly upper-class British way of saying "father.".
How do you pronounce “pater”?
“Pater” is pronounced PAY-tuh (/ˈpeɪtɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pater” in a sentence?
Here is “pater” used in a sentence: “He asked the pater for permission to borrow the car.”
What part of speech is “pater”?
“Pater” is a noun.
Where does the word “pater” come from?
The word “pater” comes from Latin. Borrowed directly from Latin pater, "father.".