Litter

/ˈlɪtər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

waste or discarded items that are improperly placed in the environment.

The park was filled with litter after the festival, making it unsafe for wildlife.

a group of young animals born to a mother at one time.

The cat had a litter of four kittens, all of whom were healthy.

verb

to make (a place) untidy by strewing trash or debris.

Please do not litter the beach; it should be kept clean for everyone to enjoy.

to give birth to a group of young animals at one time.

The dog will litter in the spring, providing homes for several puppies.

Middle English 'littr' meaning 'a bed of straw or a place to give birth.'

litter bug

A person who litters.

littering laws

Regulations against littering in public spaces.

litter control

Efforts to manage and reduce littering.

litter bin

A container for waste materials.

litter patrol

A group that cleans up litter.

litter-free

An area without litter.

To throw trash on the ground.

Don't litter; it looks bad and harms the environment.

To create a mess.

He littered his room with clothes.