to patter
5
4.4
- verb
- /ˈpætər/
- High above the trees, rain clouds were gathering, and soon raindrops were pattering onto the leaves.
- pattered rain
- raindrops pattered
- pattered on the roof
Examples
-
The sound of their feet pattering on stone or splashing through water echoed loudly off the narrow walls.
Fiction book (1990) -
A few big raindrops fell, pattering upon the leaves.
Academic text (2004) -
In the main bedroom, rain pattered against the sheer curtain in the window.
Fiction book (1999) -
The baby waved its arms up and down like a drunk piano player, tiny fingers pattering on the table.
Fiction book (1999) -
Outside, a breeze passed by and shook a few raindrops off the aspen leaves, pattering through the trees.
Fiction book (2000) -
(footsteps lightly pattering)
-
[rain pattering softly]
-
The raindrops began to patter against the window, creating a soothing rhythm.
-
As the children came inside from playing in the rain, their wet shoes pattered on the wooden floor.
-
In the quiet garden, the gentle sound of rain pattered on the roof, bringing a sense of peace.
Synonyms
14
3.9
To make a light clear ringing sound like a small bell
11
7.2
To make short, sharp clicking sounds
2
6.2
To hit a surface and make quick, sharp sounds like rain
1
2.6
To rain in small light drops
1
5.8
To make a series of light, quick tapping sounds like rain or small footsteps
1
7.3
To make a short high sound by hitting small hard things
Compounds
How Fast
Surface Forms
Etymology
Patter as a verb copies the 'pat-pat' noise of drops or tiny feet, so to patter is to make light, rapid, repeated sounds. That's why we say rain or little feet 'patter'.