pitter-patter
noun
pit·ter-pat·ter ˈpi-tər-ˌpa-tər 
ˈpi-tē-ˌpa-
: a rapid succession of light sounds or beats : patter
pitter-patter
ˌpi-tər-ˈpa-tər
adverb or adjective ˌpi-tē-ˈpa-
pitter-patter
ˌpi-tər-ˈpa-tər
intransitive verb ˌpi-tē-ˈpa-
Word History
Etymology
reduplication of patter entry 4
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
pitter-patters
verb
as in throbs
to expand and contract in a rhythmic manner his heart pitter-pattered with excitement as he waited for the right moment to propose Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- throbs
- beats
- pulses
- palpitates
- vibrates
- pulsates
- pit-a-pats
- trembles
- oscillates
- quivers
- fluctuates