pat down

verb

patted down; patting down; pats down
Synonyms of pat downnext

transitive verb

: frisk

Examples of pat down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Melany is patted down and placed in the backseat. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026 Fill in the surrounding area with more soil to fill and pat down. — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 May 2026 This only prompts a pat down, which can cut into time, explains Harmon-Marshall. — Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026 There, they were patted down, processed for transfer to ICE and offered bottled water and snacks. — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pat down

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pat down was circa 1957

Rhymes for pat down

See All Rhymes for pat down

Browse Nearby Words

patd
pat down
pâté
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pat down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pat%20down. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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