pitter-patter

noun

pit·​ter-pat·​ter ˈpi-tər-ˌpa-tər How to pronounce pitter-patter (audio)
ˈpi-tē-ˌpa-
: a rapid succession of light sounds or beats : patter
pitter-patter
ˌpi-tər-ˈpa-tər How to pronounce pitter-patter (audio)
ˌpi-tē-ˈpa-
adverb or adjective
pitter-patter
ˌpi-tər-ˈpa-tər How to pronounce pitter-patter (audio)
ˌpi-tē-ˈpa-
intransitive verb

Examples of pitter-patter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Soon, the pitter-patter of tiny tick feet will be coming to the insectary. John Kelly, Washington Post, 18 Sep. 2023 The hit dramedy about the staff of a beloved Chicago Italian-beef-sandwich spot runs on the pitter-patter of overlapping dialogue, immersing viewers in the stressful reality of working inside a kitchen. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 22 June 2023 Aside from a few moments with their daughter (Ella Dane Morgan), Joe and Kirsten are the only characters who sing, and Guettel has written O’Hara and James a range of styles, from operatic aria-lets to pitter-pattering imitations of jazzy jingles (the Morton Salt Girl recurs as a metaphor). Vulture, 6 June 2023 Then the rain started pitter-pattering on his tiny yellow pop-up tent. Mary Beth Sheridan, Washington Post, 13 May 2023 That said, not all leather upholstery is primed to withstand the pitter-patter of little paws. Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2023 Residents will wake to the pitter-patter of rain Friday morning as a low-pressure system streams showers into Northern California. Gerry Díaz, San Francisco Chronicle, 7 Apr. 2023 Still, the rapid pitter-patter of Tom’s speech would indicate otherwise. Emma Specter, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pitter-patter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

reduplication of patter entry 4

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pitter-patter was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near pitter-patter

Cite this Entry

“Pitter-patter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pitter-patter. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

pitter-patter

noun
pit·​ter-pat·​ter
ˈpit-ər-ˌpat-ər,
ˈpit-ē-ˌpat-
: a rapid series of light sounds or beats
pitter-patter
ˌpit-ər-ˈpat-
ˌpit-ē-ˈpat-
adverb or adjective
pitter-patter
 like adverb 
verb

More from Merriam-Webster on pitter-patter

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