Sekirov Dictionary

patter

UK /ˈpæt.ə/US /ˈpæt.ɚ/

verb 6
noun 3
forms 5

verb6

•
to make a fast series of soft tapping sounds, like rain on a window or small feet on a hard floor
- The bullets pattered into the log-cabin walls.
to talk fast and smoothly in a well-practiced way, as a salesperson or a magician often does
•
to scatter drops of water or another liquid over or around something
- Patter the water about the boat. — 1819
(no longer used) To repeat hurriedly; to mutter.
(no longer used) To repeat the Lord's Prayer.
(no longer used) to pray, especially by saying the Lord's Prayer

noun3

•
A soft repeated sound, as of rain falling, or feet walking on a hard surface.
- I could hear the patter of mice running about in the dark.
•
Glib and rapid speech, such as from an auctioneer, a stage magician, a sports commentator, or a salesperson with a slick style of selling.
- This particularly rapid, unintelligible patter isn't generally heard, and if it is it doesn't matter. — 1887
•
One who pats.
- I used to hate head patters, and I have realized that all children dislike being patted on the head. — 1981

forms

pattered · pattering · pattereth · patters · patterest

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