litter

word

/ˈɫɪtɝ/
LI-dur
/lˈɪtɐ/
LI-tuh

Definition

'Litter' mainly refers to trash left in public places instead of being thrown away properly. It also means a group of baby animals born at the same time to the same mother.

Usage & Nuances

Informal or neutral; as a noun it's uncountable for 'trash' ('pick up litter') and countable for 'group of animals' ('a litter of puppies'). Common collocations: 'pick up litter', 'litter bug', 'litter box'. Don't confuse with the verb 'to litter' (the act of dropping trash).

Example Sentences

There is a lot of litter in the park.

basic

Please do not drop litter on the street.

basic

The cat had a litter of four kittens.

basic

People who litter make the city look dirty.

natural

I saw a dog with a litter of cute puppies at the shelter.

natural

The beach was beautiful, but sadly covered in litter after the holiday.

natural