litter

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a group of baby animals born to the same mother at the same time.

n. the collective group of offspring produced at a single birth by a multiparous mammal.

“Our cat just had a litter of five healthy kittens.”

“The vet noted that the runt of the litter was significantly smaller than its siblings but appeared otherwise healthy.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. absorbent material, like small stones or wood chips, used in a tray for pets to use as a toilet.

n. absorbent material, such as granulated clay or wood pellets, used to line a tray for the collection of pet animal waste.

“Don't forget to buy more cat litter when you go to the supermarket.”

“The new biodegradable litter is made from recycled paper and is much easier to dispose of than traditional clay-based products.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Medicine Formal

n. a type of bed or stretcher used to carry a sick or injured person.

n. a framework or stretcher used for transporting the sick or wounded; historically, a covered couch carried by people or animals.

“The injured hiker was carried down the mountain on a litter.”

“The paramedics carefully secured the patient to the litter before navigating the narrow staircase of the apartment building.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to be spread across a surface in a messy way.

v. to cover a surface with many objects scattered in a disorderly fashion; frequently used in the passive voice.

“Old toys were littered all over the playroom floor.”

“The coastline was littered with debris from the shipwreck, making it difficult for rescue teams to land their boats.”