1 C1 neutral
to form a regular pattern or become arranged in a repeated design
"As the dye dried, the cloth patterned up beautifully."
inseparable
pattern up
C1 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
to form or arrange into a pattern
In plain English
to start showing a repeated shape or design
What does "pattern up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
to create a pattern on something or arrange it in a patterned way
"They patterned the wall up with small blue squares."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to make something take on a pattern
Actually means
to start showing a repeated shape or design
Usage tip
This is rare in everyday modern English. It may appear in technical, regional, or craft-related contexts rather than general conversation.
Words that pair with "pattern up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
fabric surface design marks growth arrangement
How to conjugate "pattern up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pattern up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
patterns up
he/she/it
Past simple
patterned up
yesterday
Past participle
patterned up
have + pp
-ing form
patterning up
continuous
Hear "pattern up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "pattern up"
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Keep exploring
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