rat-a-tat-tat

Definition

A series of short, sharp taps, especially made by knocking on a door, beating a drum, or firing an automatic weapon.

Etymology

Onomatopoeic.

Example Sentences

• "A man, the source of the lamentation, appears and as he walks across the stage, his cries transmute into song, and the slow snare drum rat-a-tat-tat of Ravel’s composition begins."