verb
I could hear the squirrels pattering across the metal roof
The rain pattered on the tent with increasing intensity
noun
The rhythmical patter of the rain lulled me to sleep
noun
Anyone listening to his patter might be inclined to buy a time-share holiday
The chap tapping our phone had to listen to the teenagers' patter for hours on end
verb
They just patter on about nothing in particular
US