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
And though Widow Precious felt her heart go pitapat at first sight of another Mrs. Mordacks, she made up her mind, with a gulp, not to let this cash go to the Thornwick.
From Mary Anerley : a Yorkshire Tale by Blackmore, R. D. (Richard Doddridge)
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
In a moment there was a curious tearing sound, and then a pitapat on the ground about them.
From Under Fire For Servia by Fiske, Colonel James
"Three times and out," he whispered as the boys' hearts went pitapat.
From A Son of the City A Story of Boy Life by Seely, Herman Gastrell
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.
