pitter-patter

American  

[pit-er-pat-er] / ˈpɪt ərˈpæt ər /

noun

1. the sound of a rapid succession of light beats or taps, as of rain, footsteps, etc.

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verb (used without object)

1. to produce or move with this sound.

   She pitter-pattered along the hallway.

adverb

1. with such a sound.

   to run pitter-patter through the house.

pitter-patter British  

/ ˈpɪtəˌpætə /

noun

1. the sound of light rapid taps or pats, as of raindrops

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verb

1. (intr) to make such a sound

adverb

1. with such a sound

   the rain fell pitter-patter on the window

Etymology

Origin of pitter-patter

1400–50; late Middle English: a babbled prayer; perhaps imitative

Example Sentences

Pitter patter, pitter patter, pitter patter down the street.

From Here and Now Story Book Two- to seven-year-olds by Van Loon, Hendrik Willem

Pitter patter, pitter patter, pitter pat—— Pedro stopped with one little front foot up in the air.

From Here and Now Story Book Two- to seven-year-olds by Van Loon, Hendrik Willem

Oh, where do you come from, You little drops of rain, Pitter patter, pitter patter, Down the window-pane?

From The Home Book of Verse — Volume 1 by Stevenson, Burton Egbert

Pitter, patter, pitter, patter! went the nuts on the dry leaves.

From Little Jack Rabbit and Chippy Chipmunk by Cory, David

Pitter patter, pitter pat—ssssssssss bang! the water hit him!

From Here and Now Story Book Two- to seven-year-olds by Van Loon, Hendrik Willem

Related Words

• sneak
• traipse