First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1pattern
noun pat·tern \ˈpa-tərn\
: a repeated form or design especially that is used to decorate something
: the regular and repeated way in which something happens or is done
: something that happens in a regular and repeated way
Full Definition of PATTERN
1
: a form or model proposed for imitation : exemplar
2
: something designed or used as a model for making things <a dressmaker's pattern>
3
: an artistic, musical, literary, or mechanical design or form
4
: a natural or chance configuration <frost patterns> <the pattern of events>
5
: a length of fabric sufficient for an article (as of clothing)
6
a : the distribution of shrapnel, bombs on a target, or shot from a shotgun b : the grouping made on a target by bullets
7
: a reliable sample of traits, acts, tendencies, or other observable characteristics of a person, group, or institution <a behavior pattern> <spending patterns>
8
a : the flight path prescribed for an airplane that is coming in for a landing b : a prescribed route to be followed by a pass receiver in football
9
10
: a discernible coherent system based on the intended interrelationship of component parts <foreign policy patterns>
11
: frequent or widespread incidence <a pattern of dissent> <a pattern of violence>
— pat·terned \-tərnd\ adjective
— pat·tern·less adjective
See pattern defined for English-language learners
See pattern defined for kids
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Origin of PATTERN
Middle English patron, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin patronus
Synonym Discussion of PATTERN
model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation. model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation <a decor that is a model of good taste>. example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning <children tend to follow the example of their parents>. pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype <American industry set a pattern for others to follow>. exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification <cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage>. ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception <never found a job that matched his ideal>.
2pattern
verb
: to make or design (something) so that it is similar to something else of the same type
: to decorate or mark (something) with a design : to form a pattern on (something)
Full Definition of PATTERN
transitive verb
2
: to make, adapt, or fashion according to a pattern
3
: to furnish, adorn, or mark with a design
intransitive verb
: to form a pattern
See pattern defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PATTERN
circa 1586
Rhymes with PATTERN
PATTERN Defined for Kids
1pattern
noun pat·tern \ˈpa-tərn\
Definition of PATTERN for Kids
1
: the form or figures used in decoration : design <The cloth has a fancy pattern.>
2
: a model or guide for making something <Mom used a pattern to make the dress.>
3
: the regular and repeated way in which something is done <Their behavior has fallen into a pattern.>
Word History of PATTERN
In medieval English a person who served as a model to be copied was called a patron. Some people began to say patron in such a way that the sound of the r changed its place. Patron soon became pattern. After a time pattern, the new way of saying the word, was used just for the meaning “a model to be copied.” The older patron lost that meaning, though it kept its other senses. In this way we got a new word, pattern, from an older word, patron.
2pattern
verb
pat·ternedpat·tern·ing
Definition of PATTERN for Kids
1
: to make or develop by following an example <The building was patterned on a Greek temple.>
2
: to have a design <He wore a tie patterned with flags.>
Medical Dictionary
pattern
noun pat·tern \ˈpat-ərn\
Medical Definition of PATTERN
1
: a model for making a mold used to form a casting
2
: a reliable sample of traits, acts, tendencies, or other observable characteristics of a person, group, or institution <patterns of behavior>
3
: an established mode of behavior or cluster of mental attitudes, beliefs, and values that are held in common by members of a group
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