pitapat
Americanadverb
noun
verb (used without object)
adverb
verb
noun
Etymology
Origin of pitapat
First recorded in 1515–25; imitative gradational compound
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Just as she was ready to open, she heard the pitapat of little Nanna's steps on the bridge from the bank.
From Mary by Bjørnson, Bjørnstjerne
How his heart had gone pitapat when he had discovered it and had quietly, oh, so quietly, dropped his baited hook into the clear, spring water.
From A Son of the City A Story of Boy Life by Seely, Herman Gastrell
Awguan, top horse and foreman of Stanley's mount, swung pitapat down the winding pass at a brisk fox trot.
From Copper Streak Trail by Rhodes, Eugene Manlove
Anything like the sound of a rat Makes my heart go pitapat!
From The Land of Song, Book II For lower grammar grades by Various
Roll -- N. roll &c. v.; drumming &c. v.; berloque†, bombination†, rumbling; tattoo, drumroll; dingdong; tantara†; rataplan†; whirr; ratatat, ratatat-tat; rubadub; pitapat; quaver, clutter, charivari†, racket; cuckoo; repetition &c.
From Roget's Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases by Roget, Peter Mark
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
