pattern
pattern Lexical Profile
pattern Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A repeated decorative design or arrangement of shapes, lines, or colors on a surface.
"The wallpaper featured a delicate floral pattern in shades of blue and gold."
A regular, intelligible, or predictable form or sequence discernible in the way in which something happens or is done.
"Meteorologists noticed an unusual pattern in the shifting ocean currents over the past decade."
A model, template, or set of instructions used as a guide for making, cutting, or assembling something, such as a garment.
"She pinned the paper pattern onto the linen fabric before cutting out the sleeves."
An excellent example or ideal worthy of imitation.
"Throughout his career, the judge was regarded as a pattern of civic integrity."
• verb
To model, design, or shape something after an existing example or template.
"The founders patterned the new academy after traditional European conservatories."
To decorate or mark a surface with a recurring design or figure.
"Frost had intricately patterned the windowpanes overnight."
• Rhymes for pattern
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English patron, borrowed from Old French patron ('model, example, or protector'), which derives from Latin patronus ('protector or defender'), from pater ('father'). In English, the spelling and pronunciation shifted to 'pattern' by the 16th century to distinguish the sense of a model or design from that of a financial supporter.