pitter-patter

[ pit-er-pat-er ]

noun

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

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

/ ˈpɪtəˌpætə /

noun

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

verb

1. intr to make such a sound

adverb

1. with such a sound

   the rain fell pitter-patter on the window

Word History and Origins

Origin of pitter-patter¹

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

Example Sentences

My heart kept up its pitter-patter as I continued reading down the thread.

From The Daily Beast

Away hopped the old gentleman rabbit, his heart going "pitter-patter-pat," he was so frightened.

From Project Gutenberg

There was stillness; no battery, however distant, no pitter-patter of rifle fire, no chattering report of the machine guns.

From Project Gutenberg

Jack a little later heard the cat-like steps of its mate leaving the place, until the pitter-patter died away in the distance.

From Project Gutenberg

You could hear them as they beat,—pitter patter, pitter patter, pitter patter down the street.

From Project Gutenberg

You could hear them as they beat pitter patter, pitter patter, pitter patter down the street.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• sneak
• traipse