Word
cat litter
Definition
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.
Examples
“I need to buy more cat litter at the supermarket.”
“The apartment started to smell because he forgot to change the cat litter for three days.”
“Advances in biodegradable cat litter have led to products made from recycled paper and wood shavings rather than traditional clay.”
Examples
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.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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