1pat·tern 
/ˈpætɚn/ noun
plural pat·terns /ˈpætɚn/ noun [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]
▪ 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
▪ 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]
▪ 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
