a humorous song or aria, the text of which consists of rapid strings of words
patter song in American English
a musical-comedy song with a simple tune and comic lyrics sung with great rapidity
patter song in American English
noun
a comic song depending for its humorous effect on rapid enunciation of the words, occurring most commonly in comic opera and operetta
Word origin
[1815–25]This word is first recorded in the period 1815–25. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: aesthetic, aggressive, artifact, treadmill, welterweight
Examples of 'patter song' in a sentence
patter song
There are nice patter-songs about first nights and the miseries of a writer.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Layers of corny period pastiche alternate with sharp, modern wit backstage, rousing small-scale choreography and amazing patter-songs.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
He's an adroit mime and a decent vocalist whose enunciatory powers allow him to handle quick-witted patter songs with ease.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Minor-key numbers merge into songs, and sometimes patter-songs, which largely consist of wry reverie and ravelled internal debate.