# litter

/ˈɫɪtɝ/ (US) · /lˈɪtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/litter
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. trash on the ground

noun · CEFR B1

trash or small pieces of waste that are left lying on the ground in public places.

For teachers: waste or debris, specifically small items of refuse discarded in public areas rather than in proper receptacles.

- The park was covered in litter after the music festival ended.
- Local authorities have increased fines for litter in an effort to maintain the cleanliness of the city's historic district.

### 2. group of baby animals

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. pet waste material

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. stretcher or mobile bed

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 6. to be scattered across

verb · CEFR B2

to be spread across a surface in a messy way.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Please pick up your litter before you leave the park.
- The city council increased the fine for dropping litter to encourage residents to keep the streets clean.
- Volunteers spent the weekend clearing plastic litter from the shoreline to prevent it from being swept into the ocean during the high tide.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.