pitter-pattering
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present participleof pitter-patter.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
pitter-patternounthe sound of a rapid succession of light beats or taps, as of rain, footsteps, etc.
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.
Raindrops pitter-pattering on the ground during an April shower can appear peaceful to the naked eye, but a closer look at the droplet hitting the ground would reveal a violent interaction between water and soil.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 17, 2022
My heart pitter-pattering, I pierced a piece with a fork and brought it carefully into my mouth.
From Salon ● Nov. 19, 2021
For now, glampers can enjoy their solitude in a tent that makes even thunderstorms enjoyable, with the rain pitter-pattering on the canvas and the lightning glowing through the walls.
From Washington Times ● Jul. 31, 2015
When an ant wanders over a copper plate inside, the pitter-pattering of its miniscule feet is mixed in with the sound of water: something like rain, or the noise inside a shower.
From The Guardian ● May 20, 2013
They sank their blades into the sea of stone—loosened by swings of Jake’s pick—and heaved it backward in a pitter-pattering shower of gravel.
From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein
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