ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pattern

n. · v.
US //ˈpætɝn// UK //pˈætən// pat·tern
  1. 1 decorative design (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a design or decoration that repeats the same shapes or colours.

    a decorative arrangement of repeated shapes, lines, or colours on a surface.

    Example

    The wallpaper has a pretty floral pattern that repeats every few inches.

    Example

    The architect incorporated a geometric pattern into the floor tiles to echo the building's structural symmetry.
  2. 2 regular habit or sequence (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the regular way in which something happens or is done.

    a consistent or characteristic way in which something happens, develops, or is arranged.

    Example

    The doctor noticed a pattern in the patient's symptoms every morning.

    Example

    Meteorologists are studying the changing weather patterns to better predict the frequency of severe storms in the region.
Show 3 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 a template or model (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a guide or shape used to help you make something, like clothes.

    a template or guide used as a model for making something, particularly in sewing or manufacturing.

    Example

    She bought a paper pattern to help her sew a new dress.

    Example

    The engineer used a digital pattern to ensure each component was cut to the exact specifications required for the assembly.
  2. 4 to model after (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to copy or base something on another thing.

    to design or model something according to a specific example or system.

    Example

    The new school was patterned after a famous university in Europe.

    Example

    The curriculum is patterned on a traditional liberal arts model, emphasizing critical thinking over rote memorization.

    Usage

    often used with the preposition 'after' or 'on'
  3. 5 to arrange or fix (v.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Dialect British English

    to organize or arrange something, often used in London slang.

    to arrange, organize, or resolve a situation. Common in Multicultural London English.

    Example

    Don't worry about the tickets; I'll get it patterned for us.

    Example

    He managed to get the whole situation patterned before the manager arrived, so there was no further conflict.
Origin

From earlier patten, paterne, from Middle English patron (“patron; example”), from Old French patron, from Medieval Latin patrōnus (“patron”). Doublet of padrone, patron, Patronus, and patroon.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference