Patter is rapid, light talk, often casual or practiced. A street performer's patter keeps the crowd entertained between tricks: “Now watch carefully, folks, nothing up my sleeve, well, maybe just a rabbit or two...” A salesperson might have a smooth patter they use to charm customers, delivering the same friendly pitch dozens of times a day.

The word captures a specific quality of speech: quick, rhythmic, and often a bit playful. A teacher taking attendance might go through names in a steady patter, or a tour guide might deliver their patter about historical facts while leading a group through a museum.

Patter can also describe a light, rapid tapping sound. Rain patters against a window, making that gentle drumming noise. You might hear the patter of small feet when your little sister runs down the hallway, or the patter of a dog's paws on a hardwood floor.

The speech meaning and the sound meaning aren't so different when you think about it: both suggest something quick, light, and rhythmic. Good patter flows like those raindrops, one word tapping after another in an easy, natural rhythm.