What does pattering mean?
Pattering means moving or striking in a way that produces a light, rapid tapping sound. The sound is often associated with small feet, falling rain, or fingertips tapping a surface, and the word can imply a rhythm made up of quick, separate beats. As a noun, pattering names the action or its sound. For example, one can hear the pattering of rain on a roof or notice someone pattering down a hallway. The expression is familiar in both British and American English and can also be used figuratively for a rapid succession of minor events, such as a pattering of questions or messages. Its distinctive quality is not merely that something is being tapped, but that the tapping is light, fast, and rhythmic.
To move or strike with a light, rapid tapping sound.
"The dog pattered eagerly toward the door."
Common with rain, footsteps, fingers, and similar light movements or impacts.
A succession of light, quick taps or the sound they produce.
"A faint pattering came from the porch."
Often used with rain or footsteps; countable plural forms are uncommon.
The plural is possible but rare; the singular is generally used for the recurring action or its sound.
"The night was filled with faint patterings against the window."
Pattering is the sound of rain arriving one tiny percussion at a time.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pattering
Pattering developed in the early 17th century from patter, a verb formed as a frequentative of pat, with the added sense of striking or moving repeatedly. The sound-based development reflects the imitative character of the word: the repeated -t- sound resembles the tapping it describes. Pat, patter, and their derivatives belong to a family of words associated with light blows or taps.
Related word forms
How pattering is actually used
The expression is common in both British and American English. It usually suggests light, rapid movement or impact, especially from rain, footsteps, or fingers. In figurative use, it can describe a quick series of small events or comments.
Easily confused with pattering
Pattering describes light, rapid taps or the sound they make, whereas a pattern is a repeated design or sequence.