patter1

 
Pronunciation: /ˈpatə/

verb

[no object]
  • make a repeated light tapping sound: a flurry of rain pattered against the window
  • [no object, with adverbial of direction] run with quick light steps: he quickly pattered down the stairs

noun

[in singular]
  • a repeated light tapping: the plashing patter of steady rain

Phrases

the patter of tiny feet

humorous used in reference to the presence or imminent birth of a child: I had given up hope of hearing the patter of tiny feet

Origin:

early 17th century: frequentative of pat1