pattern
noun
pat·tern
| \ ˈpa-tərn
\
\
Definition of pattern
(Entry 1 of 2)
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
the geometrical pattern of the carpet the strict pattern of rhythm and rhyme for a sonnet— Gigi Marino
4
: a natural or chance configuration
frost patterns the pattern of events
5
dated
: a length of fabric sufficient for an article (as of clothing)
6a
: 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 the prevailing pattern of speech
8a
: 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
: test pattern
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
pattern
verb
patterned;
patterning;
patterns
Definition of pattern (Entry 2 of 2)
2
: to make, adapt, or fashion according to a pattern
3
: to furnish, adorn, or mark with a design
: to form a pattern
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Other Words from pattern
Noun
patterned
\ ˈpa-tərnd
\
adjective
\
adjective
patternless
adjective
Examples of pattern in a Sentence
Noun
The dishes have a floral pattern around the rim. The fabric comes in different colors and patterns. The rug is decorated with a geometric pattern. The shadows made a pattern of lines on the ground. They are studying behavior patterns among high-school students. Analysts are noticing different spending patterns by consumers. The trees followed a characteristic pattern of growth.
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
Broken Earth series If your favorite part of Game of Thrones is its weird weather patterns (winters that last a lifetime?), then N.J. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy is for you. — Adam Epstein, Quartzy, "George R.R. Martin may never finish those books. Here’s what to read while you wait," 24 Aug. 2019 His clothing choices reflect that—think: lots of loud clashing colors and patterns. — Caylin Harris, Country Living, "The Best 'The Office' Costumes That Will Definitely Win You a Dundie This Halloween," 22 Aug. 2019 Doctors think the heat and fainting may have led to a neurological episode affecting his thought patterns. — NBC News, "Heat takes down more UPS workers during hottest summer ever," 22 Aug. 2019 But with the ratification of a new trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico and Canada still simmering and a long-term ongoing tit-for-tat trade war with China, two of those top spenders have seen tariffs stifle their spending patterns. — Dana Ferguson, Twin Cities, "As trade war looms, Walz, other governors chart new trade paths bypassing China," 21 Aug. 2019 In this study, the researchers profiled the parts list for only the nuclei of cells because they can be easily separated from one another and their gene expression patterns can be individually profiled. — Lydia Denworth, Scientific American, "Scientists Start Building a Parts List for the Brain," 21 Aug. 2019 So, one color should dominate while the other colors and patterns are secondary. — Charles Curkin, ELLE Decor, "Rayman Boozer Knows How to Bring Color Into Your Home," 14 Aug. 2019 These collars allow the team at EWB to track the elephants, as well as to learn their essential migratory patterns to keep their corridors safe and open so future generations of elephants can roam freely. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Meghan Markle Wears a Bracelet with a Special Meaning in a New Photo on Instagram," 13 Aug. 2019 Don’t be afraid to mix colors, patterns and textures. — Mari-jane Williams, Washington Post, "To breathe new life into a tired family room, start with a stylish sectional," 8 Aug. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Subban, 30, complemented Vonn’s look in a black and gold patterned button-down shirt and black pants. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE.com, "Lindsey Vonn and P.K. Subban Raise Funds for Charity Ahead of Engagement News," 23 Aug. 2019 Alternatively, a colorful, patterned tea towel or dark, wide napkin can be tied around the neck of the bottle to catch any drips and keep them from landing in the butter dish. — Sara Mae Albert, Harper's BAZAAR, "How to Plan a Casual Chic Dinner Party," 2 Aug. 2019 Wearing marijuana patterned pants and a tank top, vocalist Bert McCracken showed why the band was a crowd favorite. — Houston Chronicle, "Disrupt Festival brings high energy, emo back to Houston," 27 June 2019 Cones: Roll patterned stock paper into cones, secure, and tie with ribbon. — Woman's Day Kitchen, Woman's Day, "Mother's Day Cookie Bouquet," 6 May 2019 Miami Spice was born during the tourism lull the year after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and patterned after a popular New York City dining promotion. — Michael Mayo, sun-sentinel.com, "Trouble sorting out 250 Miami Spice options? Try these 9 restaurants," 1 Aug. 2019 The caps were patterned after Starlin Castro and other Cubs who wore buckets on their heads during 2015 postgame celebrations. — Paul Sullivan, chicagotribune.com, "From Nacho Man to Mai Tai Guy to Ronnie Woo: Paul Sullivan’s rankings of the best baseball fan stories," 20 July 2019 During his final season with the Lakers, Russell ran a motion offense that then-head coach Luke Walton — a former Warriors assistant — patterned after Kerr’s. — Connor Letourneau, SFChronicle.com, "D’Angelo Russell, on the move to Golden State, says he’s an NBA realist," 8 July 2019 The garden now has a 13,000-pound granite fountain patterned after the famous fountain outside St. Patrick Cathedral in Dublin. — Sabrina Eaton, cleveland.com, "Senate confirms Ohio’s Ed Crawford as U.S. ambassador to Ireland," 13 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pattern.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.