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 The spa also remains blissfully devoid of the pitter-patter of little feet. Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2024 Her self-consciousness pitter-patters all through her mind, though. David Oliver, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2024 Hu employed long tracking shots and dynamic jump cuts to create a dramatic, almost spiritual sense of rhythm, while the pitter-patter of racing feet, the bright clang of weapons, and the swish of bodies rushing through the foliage imparts a musical effect not unlike the pleasures of ASMR. Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2024 Albie Manzo and his wife Chelsea Manzo will soon be hearing the pitter-patter of tiny feet! Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 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

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 5 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!