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.
The Agency takes its time to depict the technical pitter-patter of espionage: swapping vehicles in underground parking lots, staring at spreadsheets for targets, sweeping an apartment for bugs. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2025 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

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 30 Jan. 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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