patter Definition
- 1the sound of a series of quick, light taps or steps
- 2rapid, glib talk
Using patter: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "patter" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The patter of rain on the roof was soothing.
Example
The comedian's patter was hilarious.
Example
The salesman's patter was too pushy for my liking.
patter Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with patter
a type of song in which the words are spoken very quickly and clearly, often with humorous effect
Example
The Gilbert and Sullivan operettas are famous for their patter songs.
Example
The politician was a skilled patter merchant, but his promises were empty.
pitter-patter
the sound of light, quick steps, often used to describe the sound of raindrops
Example
I could hear the pitter-patter of little feet running down the hallway.
Origins of patter
from Middle Dutch 'paternoster', meaning 'Our Father (prayer)'
Summary: patter in Brief
The term 'patter' [ˈpætər] refers to the sound of quick, light taps or steps, as well as rapid, glib talk. It can describe the sound of rain or footsteps, as in 'The patter of rain on the roof was soothing,' or the speech of a comedian or salesman, as in 'The comedian's patter was hilarious.' 'Patter' also appears in phrases like 'patter song,' which is a type of song with fast-spoken lyrics, and 'pitter-patter,' which describes the sound of light, quick steps.
