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.

---

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

---

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

The show’s soundtrack and the décor are usually distinctly ’80s, but the pitter-patter of David and Maddie’s bickering and the creativity of the mysteries are timeless.

From New York Times • Nov. 9, 2023

The predictability of this place calms me: the salty air, the sounds of rushing waves, the pitter-patter of the runners, seagulls chirping and the wind dancing on the sand.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2022

And the rapid-fire pitter-patter of those spidery digits over computer keyboards is a comical running gag throughout.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 21, 2022

Ella started to count to ten, but before she got to five, she heard the pitter-patter of tiny feet and spotted the big black noses of several rotties peeking their heads out from behind columns.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

• sneak
• traipse