Langimage
English

litter

|lit-ter|

B1

🇺🇸

/ˈlɪtər/

🇬🇧

/ˈlɪtə/

scattered waste

Etymology
Etymology Information

'litter' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'litiere,' where 'lit' meant 'bed.'

Historical Evolution

'litiere' transformed into the Middle English word 'litter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'litter.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'bedding' or 'bed,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'waste material' and 'a group of young animals.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

waste material thrown away carelessly, especially in public places.

The park was full of litter after the festival.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Noun 2

a group of young animals born to an animal at one time.

The cat had a litter of five kittens.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to make a place untidy with rubbish or a large number of objects left lying about.

People who litter the streets can be fined.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42