patter : Idioms & Phrases

noun a series of rapid tapping sounds
- she missed the pitter-patter of little feet around the house
verb rain gently
sprinkle; spatter; patter; spit.
- It has only sprinkled, but the roads are slick
verb make light, rapid and repeated sounds
patter.
- gently pattering rain
adverb as of footsteps
pit-a-pat; pitty-pat; pitty-patty.
- he came running pit-a-pat down the hall
adverb describing a rhythmic beating
pit-a-pat; pitty-pat; pitty-patty.
- his heart went pit-a-pat