Meaning of pitter-patter in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈpɪdərˌpædər/

    US accent Play button

    UK accent Play button

  1. Verb

    pitter-patter

    Definitions

    1. rain gently

    Examples

    • « It has only sprinkled, but the roads are slick »
  2. 2. make light, rapid and repeated sounds

    Examples

    • « gently pattering rain »

  3. Adverb

    pitter-patter

    Definitions

    1. as of footsteps

    Examples

    • « he came running pit-a-pat down the hall »
  4. 2. describing a rhythmic beating

    Examples

    • « his heart went pit-a-pat »

  5. Noun

    pitter-patter

    Etymology

    late Middle English: reduplication (expressing rhythmic repetition) of the verb patter

    Definitions

    1. a series of rapid tapping sounds

    Examples

    • « she missed the pitter-patter of little feet around the house »