Meaning of pitter-patter in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Definitions
  3. Adverb
    1. Definitions
  4. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  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 »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. make light, rapid and repeated sounds

    Examples

    • « gently pattering rain »

    Derived terms

  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 »

    Derived terms

Famous quotes

  • « We've begun to long for the pitter-patter of little feet - so we bought a dog. Well, it's cheaper, and you get more feet. »
    Rita Rudner

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