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pitter-patter
[ pit-er-pat-er ]
/ ˈpɪt ərˈpæt ər /
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noun
the sound of a rapid succession of light beats or taps, as of rain, footsteps, etc.
verb (used without object)
to produce or move with this sound: She pitter-pattered along the hallway.
adverb
with such a sound: to run pitter-patter through the house.
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THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Origin of pitter-patter
1400–50; late Middle English: a babbled prayer; perhaps imitative
Words nearby pitter-patter
pitta, pitta bread, Pittacus, pittance, pitted, pitter-patter, pitting, pittosporum, Pitt-Rivers, Pittsburg, Pittsburgh
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use pitter-patter in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for pitter-patter
pitter-patter
/ (ˈpɪtəˌpætə) /
noun
the sound of light rapid taps or pats, as of raindrops
verb
(intr) to make such a sound
adverb
with such a soundthe rain fell pitter-patter on the window
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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