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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Alexander-Walker is a pitter-patter, defensive-minded guard. Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 The squeals, heavy breathing, and tail thrashing of the headline attraction, the ominous pitter-patter of a chestburster scuttling across the floor, and the characteristic crunch of a chestburster smashing through an unfortunate ribcage are all integral to the extra-terrestrial horror. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025 The sky was covered by clouds as a light, steady rain pitter-pattered outside and inside Children’s Mercy Park. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2025 Metro and his co-producers nailed the full scope of the futuristic era, from the earworm melodies of neon synths and spooky keys with reverb to the subtleties of the pitter-pattering drum programming. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025 Mark Longo fondly remembers waking up in his south-central New York home to the pitter-patter of little feet. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 12 July 2025 Both also share a mid-aughts sentimentality and a percussive synth line that pitter-patters throughout. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025 The absence of his paws pitter-pattering on the floor really struck a chord. Jordan Greene, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pitter-patter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pitter-patter. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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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