patter

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [sing.] the sound that is made by sth repeatedly hitting a surface quickly and lightly: the patter of feet / footsteps * the patter of rain on the roof 2 [U,sing.] fast continuous talk by sb who is trying to sell you sth or entertain you: sales patter IDIOMS the patter of tiny feet (informal or humorous) a way of referring to children when sb wants, or is going to have, a baby: We can't wait to hear the patter of tiny feet. verb [V+adv./prep.] 1 to make quick, light sounds as a surface is being hit several times: Rain pattered against the window. 2 to walk with light steps in a particular direction: I heard her feet pattering along the corridor.