# patterned

/ˈpætɝnd/ (US) · /pˈætənd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/patterned
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

decorated with a design that repeats many times. You use this to describe things like clothes or wallpaper that have shapes, lines, or colors on them.

For teachers: decorated with a repeating design or motif. Typically used attributively to describe surfaces, textiles, or materials.

## Examples

- She wore a patterned dress to the party.
- The interior designer chose a patterned rug to add visual interest to the otherwise plain living room.
- The ancient pottery was decorated with intricate, hand-painted patterned borders that reflected the geometric styles of the period.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.