litter
Translation
trash, garbage, a brood of young animals
Examples
Please don't drop litter in the street.
Please don't drop trash on the street.
The cat had a litter of six kittens.
The cat had a litter of six kittens.
Grammar Patterns
((uncountable noun)) trash left in a public place Please don't drop litter.
((countable noun)) a group of young animals born to an animal at one time The cat had a litter of kittens.
Similar Words
Synonyms: trash, garbage, refuse; brood, offspring
Etymology
From Old French 'litiere' (bedding), from Latin 'lectus' (bed). Originally meant bedding for animals, then the mess left behind.
Memory Tips
Think of a cat's 'litter box', which contains a specific type of litter, but also relates to the 'litter' of kittens.