English Reference
Compound

cat litter

compound.
A2 Elementary

compound.a special material, like sand or small stones, that you put in a box for a pet cat to use as a toilet.

compound.a granular, absorbent substance used to line a tray for a domestic cat's waste. Usually uncountable in its mass sense, though 'litters' may refer to different brands or types.


SIMPLE

I need to buy more cat litter at the supermarket.

CONTEXTUAL

The apartment started to smell because he forgot to change the cat litter for three days.

COMPLEX

Advances in biodegradable cat litter have led to products made from recycled paper and wood shavings rather than traditional clay.

Usage

usually functions as an uncountable mass noun.

Teaching tip

use this to teach the difference between 'litter' as trash and 'litter' as a specialized material; it is also a good example of a noun-noun compound where the first noun acts as a modifier.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Updated