litter crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions for the clue "litter crossword clue", organized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the nuances of each answer. Whether it's about animal offspring, discarded waste, or something else entirely, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "litter crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MESS: An untidy collection of items, or a state of untidiness. This can refer to discarded waste or a chaotic environment, linking directly to one common meaning of litter.
5 Letters
BROOD: A family of young animals, especially birds, produced at one hatching or birth. Often used interchangeably with 'litter' when referring to animal offspring.
STRAW: Dry cut stalks of cereal plants, often used as bedding for animals. Animals, especially livestock, often 'litter' on straw bedding.
6 Letters
REFUSE: Waste or discarded material; rubbish. A direct synonym for litter in the sense of unwanted discarded items.
7 Letters
RUBBISH: Waste material; refuse or trash. Another common synonym for litter when referring to discarded items.
BEDDING: Material used to provide comfort and warmth for an animal to sleep on. This directly relates to the sense of 'litter' as the material on which animals give birth or sleep.
More About "litter crossword clue"
The word "litter" is a classic example of a homograph that provides rich ground for crossword setters due to its multiple distinct meanings. In common usage, it most frequently refers to either waste material (like discarded packaging or debris) or a group of young animals born at one time to the same mother (such as a litter of puppies). However, it can also refer to a stretcher-like device for carrying an injured or sick person, or even the act of giving birth to a litter of animals.
When encountering "litter" in a crossword, the solver must carefully consider the context provided by the rest of the clue and the number of letters in the expected answer. For instance, a clue like "Puppy group" would point towards answers related to animal offspring, while "Street mess" would indicate discarded waste. Understanding these different facets is crucial for successfully solving the puzzle.
Our goal at Crosswordanswer.co.uk is to illuminate these complexities, offering not just the answers, but also the reasoning behind them, transforming a tricky clue into a learning opportunity for your next puzzle-solving adventure.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Always remember that many common words like "litter" have several dictionary definitions. Try to brainstorm all possible meanings first.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer is a critical hint. If 'litter' is clued and the answer is 4 letters, 'MESS' is a strong contender. If it's 7, 'RUBBISH' or 'BEDDING' might fit.
- Look for Context Clues: The surrounding words in the crossword clue are vital. Phrases like "animal's young" or "waste in the street" directly guide you to the intended meaning of "litter."
- Review Synonyms: Think of synonyms for each meaning of "litter." For waste, consider 'trash', 'garbage', 'refuse'. For animal young, think 'brood', 'offspring'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many meanings does the word 'litter' have in crosswords?
The word 'litter' is versatile in crosswords, often referring to a group of young animals (like puppies or kittens), discarded waste (trash), or even a stretcher/device for carrying a person. Recognizing these different meanings is key to solving the clue.
Why is 'litter' a common crossword clue?
Its multiple distinct meanings make 'litter' a perfect candidate for crossword puzzles. It allows setters to create clues that test a solver's vocabulary and ability to identify context, leading to varied answers like 'BROOD', 'MESS', 'RUBBISH', or 'BEDDING'.
What other words are often clues for 'litter' related answers?
Depending on the intended meaning of 'litter', common related clues might include 'Animal young', 'Trash', 'Rubbish heap', 'Mess', 'Stretcher', or 'Animal bedding'. The surrounding words in the clue or the number of letters can help narrow down the specific meaning.