patter

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Informal

n. fast, clever talk used by someone like a comedian or a salesperson to keep people interested.

n. rapid and glib speech, typically used by an entertainer, salesperson, or auctioneer to distract, entertain, or persuade.

“The magician kept up a constant stream of funny patter to distract the audience.”

“The street vendor's practiced patter was so engaging that even skeptical tourists stopped to listen to his sales pitch.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to make a series of quick, light sounds by tapping on a surface.

v. to make a quick succession of light, soft tapping sounds. Intransitive in this sense.

“The children pattered down the hallway in their bare feet to see their presents.”

“Rain began to patter against the skylight, growing louder as the summer storm intensified over the valley.”

C2 · Proficiency Formal · Literary

v. to talk very fast and easily, often in a way that sounds rehearsed.

v. to speak glibly and rapidly, often as part of a professional routine or performance.

“The auctioneer pattered through the list of items at an incredible speed.”

“He pattered his lines with such mechanical precision that the emotional weight of the play was entirely lost on the audience.”