noun

patter

PAT-uh

Patter (noun) means a quick series of light, repeated sounds, like rain hitting a roof or feet running on pavement. Example: “The patter of rain on the tent kept them awake half the night.”

noun

A quick series of light, repeated sounds, like rain hitting a roof or feet running on pavement.

"The patter of rain on the tent kept them awake half the night."

"She heard the patter of small feet running down the hallway."

Fast, smooth talk, especially the kind used by salespeople, comedians, or auctioneers.

"The salesman's patter was so slick that half the room bought in."

verb

To make a series of quick, light tapping sounds.

"Raindrops pattered against the window all evening."

How to use patter

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA quick series of light tapping sounds, or rapid, glib talk meant to persuade or entertain.

Common pairings

patter of rain sales patter comic patter

Word forms

pattered past tense, pattered past tense, patters plural, patters plural, patters plural, patters singular, patters singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of rain on the tent kept them awake half the night.

Etymology

From pat plus -er, indicating a repeated action; ultimately imitative of the sound itself.

Synonyms

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pitter-patter tapping drumming spiel chatter banter

Related words

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Rhymes for patter

matter batter hatter latter scatter shatter flatter chatter clatter spatter platter squatter

See all rhymes for patter →

Frequently asked questions

What does “patter” mean?

The word “patter” means a quick series of light, repeated sounds, like rain hitting a roof or feet running on pavement. In plain terms, a quick series of light tapping sounds, or rapid, glib talk meant to persuade or entertain.

How do you pronounce “patter”?

“Patter” is pronounced PAT-uh (/ˈpæt.ɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “patter” in a sentence?

Here is “patter” used in a sentence: “The patter of rain on the tent kept them awake half the night.”

What part of speech is “patter”?

Depending on how it is used, “patter” can be a noun and a verb.

How many meanings does “patter” have?

“Patter” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a quick series of light, repeated sounds, like rain hitting a roof or feet running on pavement.

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