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)
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
the prevailing pattern of speech
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
patternless
adjective
patterned; patterning; patterns
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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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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