noun
patter
PAT-uh
noun
1
A quick series of light, repeated sounds, like rain hitting a roof or feet running on pavement.
"The patter of rain on the tent kept them awake half the night."
"She heard the patter of small feet running down the hallway."
2
Fast, smooth talk, especially the kind used by salespeople, comedians, or auctioneers.
"The salesman's patter was so slick that half the room bought in."
verb
1
To make a series of quick, light tapping sounds.
"Raindrops pattered against the window all evening."
How to Use Patter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA quick series of light tapping sounds, or rapid, glib talk meant to persuade or entertain.
Common pairings
patter of rain
sales patter
comic patter
Word Forms
pattered past tense, pattered past tense, patters plural, patters plural, patters plural, patters singular, patters singular
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The _____ of rain on the tent kept them awake half the night.
Etymology
From pat plus -er, indicating a repeated action; ultimately imitative of the sound itself.