Litter

Definition

Small pieces of rubbish that have been left lying on the ground in public places.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlɪtər/
• Respelling: LIT-er (with "LIT" as in "sit" and "er" as in "her")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlɪtə/
• Respelling: LIT-uh (with "LIT" as in "sit" and "uh" as in "sofa")

In both dialects, "litter" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "LIT." The American pronunciation uses a pronounced "er" sound at the end, while the British pronunciation uses a softer "uh" sound.

Etymology

Derived from Old French "litierre", which originally referred to a bed, but later extended its meaning to mean things scattered about, as straw scattered on a floor as bedding.

Derivatives

• Litterbug
• Litterer
• Littermate
• Litterbin (British)
• Litterbox

Synonyms

• Rubbish
• Trash
• Debris

Antonyms

• Orderliness
• Cleanliness
• Tidiness

Usage

Litter is a common environmental issue, often addressed through public awareness campaigns and laws against littering. In animal contexts, litter refers to multiple offspring born at one birth, commonly seen in pets like dogs and cats.

Related Terms

• Pollution: The presence or introduction of harmful substances into the environment.
• Waste Management: The collection, transport, processing, and disposal of waste.
• Recycling: The process of converting waste into reusable material.

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Litter (Noun): Waste products or trash that are improperly disposed of, especially in public places.
  • Example: "The park was filled with litter after the festival."

• Litter (Noun): A group of young animals born to an animal at one time.
  • Example: "The cat gave birth to a litter of five kittens."

• Litter (Noun): A type of stretcher or portable bed used to carry the injured or sick.
  • Example: "The paramedics placed the injured hiker on a litter to transport him down the mountain."

Verb

• Litter (Verb): To throw or leave trash in a public place.
  • Example: "Please do not litter; use the bins provided."

• Litter (Verb): To be strewn about in a disorderly way.
  • Example: "The floor was littered with toys after the children had finished playing."