patter
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a quick series of light tapping sounds, like rain hitting a window or small feet running.
n.a continuous series of quick, light tapping sounds. Often used in the context of precipitation or the movement of small animals or children.
Simple“I fell asleep listening to the gentle patter of rain on the tent roof.”
In context“The rhythmic patter of paws across the hardwood floor announced the dog's excitement long before he reached the kitchen door.”
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The magician kept up a constant stream of funny patter to distract the audience.”
In context“The street vendor's practiced patter was so engaging that even skeptical tourists stopped to listen to his sales pitch.”
- 03 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.
Simple“The children pattered down the hallway in their bare feet to see their presents.”
In context“Rain began to patter against the skylight, growing louder as the summer storm intensified over the valley.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
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.
Simple“The auctioneer pattered through the list of items at an incredible speed.”
In context“He pattered his lines with such mechanical precision that the emotional weight of the play was entirely lost on the audience.”
Synonymsbabblerattle on
“Beneath her patter as party hostess is rage, hurt and an almost Madame Bovary boredom.”
“Until recently, my scientific research focused on the rapid patter and chop of bat echolocation calls, monitoring how their populations were responding to largely human-driven environmental change.”
1610s, pat + -er (“frequentative (indicating repeated action)”), of (onomatopoeia) origin.
Noun is from Middle English pater, verb is from Middle English pateren. Noun attested 1758, originally referring to the cant of thieves and beggers.
From pat + -er (“agent”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.