1 pat·tern
Pronounced:
/ˈpætɚn/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural pat·ternsMeaning:
[count] 1 : a repeated form or design especially that is used to decorate something ▪ 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. —see color picture
2 a : the regular and repeated way in which something happens or is done ▪ 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. ▪ Your symptoms fit the pattern of diabetes. [=your symptoms are the same as the symptoms of diabetes] ▪ His daily routine followed a set pattern. [=it was always the same] ▪ The book set the pattern [=created an example which is followed by others] for detective fiction. b : something that happens in a regular and repeated way ▪ We have to find a way to break the pattern of violence. [=to make the violence stop]
3 : a shape or model that is used as guide for making something ▪ a dress pattern [=a large piece of paper that is used as a guide for cutting the cloth to make a dress]
2 a : the regular and repeated way in which something happens or is done ▪ 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. ▪ Your symptoms fit the pattern of diabetes. [=your symptoms are the same as the symptoms of diabetes] ▪ His daily routine followed a set pattern. [=it was always the same] ▪ The book set the pattern [=created an example which is followed by others] for detective fiction. b : something that happens in a regular and repeated way ▪ We have to find a way to break the pattern of violence. [=to make the violence stop]
3 : a shape or model that is used as guide for making something ▪ a dress pattern [=a large piece of paper that is used as a guide for cutting the cloth to make a dress]
—see also holding pattern