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

In their hotel room, the gentle pitter-patter of monsoon rains on the roof set the stage for a week of romance — away from the heat and grime of the city.

From New York Times • Jul. 26, 2023

Zookeeper Rosie Owen said: "It's so lovely to once again hear the pitter-patter of tiny, spotty and stripy Malayan tapir feet."

From BBC • Dec. 9, 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

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

We’re both quiet for a few moments as we walk, the rain making pitter-patter sounds against our umbrellas, and our shoes squeaking on the wet sidewalk.

From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks

Related Words

• sneak
• traipse