Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - pattern

(patterns) Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English. 1. A pattern is the repeated or regular way in which something happens or is done. All three attacks followed the same pattern... A change in the pattern of his breathing became apparent. N-COUNT: oft the N of n 2. A pattern is an arrangement of lines or shapes, especially a design in which the same shape is repeated at regular intervals over a surface. ...a golden robe embroidered with red and purple thread stitched into a pattern of flames. N-COUNT 3. A pattern is a diagram or shape that you can use as a guide when you are making something such as a model or a piece of clothing. ...cutting out a pattern for trousers... N-COUNT