pitter-patter

a series of rapid tapping sounds

• “she missed the pitter-patter of little feet around the house”

as of footsteps

• “he came running pit-a-pat down the hall”

describing a rhythmic beating

• “his heart went pit-a-pat”

rain gently

• “It has only sprinkled, but the roads are slick”

make light, rapid and repeated sounds

• “gently pattering rain”