pat

8 definitions • 7 examples

to touch someone or something gently and usually repeatedly with the hand flat:

He patted my head/patted me on the head affectionately.

I bent down to pat the little puppy.

the act of patting a person or animal:

I gave the little boy a pat on the head.

a small flat piece, especially of butter

A pat answer or remark has been previously prepared, so that it is said quickly and without any real thought:

The spokesman came out with a pat answer/response.

to touch someone or something lightly and repeatedly with an open hand:

He patted me on the shoulder.

Pat the vegetables dry with a paper towel.

a small, flat piece of butter

a light touch made with your open hand

(esp. of an answer) having been already prepared and therefore said without thinking much about the question:

You’ve got a pat response to every question that comes along.