patter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1-B2Mostly informal for the 'rapid talk' sense. Neutral for the 'light sound' sense.
Quick answer
What does “patter” mean?
A series of light, quick, tapping sounds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A series of light, quick, tapping sounds.
Can refer to 1) rapid, continuous, often monotonous talk (as a verb or noun), 2) the specialized jargon or persuasive talk used by a particular group, especially a street trader or comedian, 3) the sound of light, rapid footsteps or rain.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb sense of making light sounds (e.g., rain patters) is standard in both. The noun sense meaning the specialized, fast talk of a comedian, salesman, or MC is slightly more established in British English, especially in entertainment contexts (e.g., comedy patter).
Connotations
In both varieties, 'sales patter' carries a slightly negative connotation of insincerity. 'Patter' of rain is neutral/descriptive.
Frequency
Comparatively low frequency in both, but the 'talk' sense is likely more frequent in UK media discussing comedy or street markets.
Grammar
How to Use “patter” in a Sentence
[N] patter (of N)[V] patter (on N)[V] patter about/onVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “patter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The rain began to patter against the conservatory roof.
- I could hear mice pattering about in the attic.
American English
- The sleet pattered on the window pane.
- Kids pattered down the hallway in their socks.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Not standard as an adverb).
American English
- N/A (Not standard as an adverb).
adjective
British English
- N/A (Not standard as an adjective).
American English
- N/A (Not standard as an adjective).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a rehearsed sales pitch, often viewed skeptically ('I'm tired of the sales patter; just give me the facts.').
Academic
Rare, except in linguistic or performance studies analyzing speech patterns.
Everyday
Common for describing light rain or the sound of small animals/children running ('Listen to the patter of the rain on the roof.').
Technical
Used in meteorology for light precipitation sounds; in entertainment, for scripted comic dialogue between acts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “patter”
- Using 'patter' to mean any loud or heavy sound (e.g., *the patter of thunder).
- Confusing 'patter' (talk) with 'batter' (to hit heavily).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always, but it often implies a lack of depth or sincerity. In contexts like comedy or auctioneering, it's a neutral term for a skilled, rapid delivery.
'Pitter-patter' is a reduplicative, more childlike or evocative term primarily for light, rapid sounds (rain, tiny feet). 'Patter' is the standard word and has the additional meaning of rapid talk.
No. 'Patter' inherently describes a series of light, rapid, successive sounds. A single tap would be a 'pat' or 'tap'.
Yes, it's regular: patter, pattered, pattering.
A series of light, quick, tapping sounds.
Patter is usually mostly informal for the 'rapid talk' sense. neutral for the 'light sound' sense. in register.
Patter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpæt.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpæt̬.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pitter-patter (of little feet)”
- “sales patter”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of PATTER as two things: 1) The PAT of rain drops, repeated (-ter), making a light sound. 2) Someone talking so fast their words seem to PAT the air rapidly.
Conceptual Metaphor
TALK IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (the words 'hit' the listener lightly and rapidly). SOUND IS A LIQUID (rain 'patters').
Practice
Quiz
In the context of a market trader, 'patter' most likely refers to: