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

After greeting students, chasing a football around, "attacking" shoelaces and tights, and exploring parts of the school she has never seen before, the pitter-patter of puppy paws slows down.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

A noise jolts you awake, and you hear the pitter-patter of tiny, scurrying feet.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 27, 2023

Obviously modest in quantity, Saturday’s pitter-patter in Washington may also have escaped widespread notice for another reason.

From Washington Post • Apr. 9, 2022

Bantering with Badu, he pulls sassy glissandos from the horn and pushes her into pitter-patter rhythmic exchanges.

From New York Times • Sep. 23, 2021

Mama and Papa were so engrossed in their own thoughts and conversation that they didn’t hear the two sets of footsteps pitter-patter down the upstairs hallway.

From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser

Related Words

• sneak
• traipse