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Mitten Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿงค
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mitten

[หˆmษชt(ษ™)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

winter clothing

A mitten is a type of glove that covers the entire hand but does not have individual finger openings. Mittens are typically warmer than gloves because the fingers are kept together, sharing body heat.

Synonyms

glove, hand covering, mitt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mitten

Typically used to describe a type of hand covering that has a separate section for the thumb but not for the fingers. Often used for warmth in cold weather.

  • Maria put on her warm woolen mittens before heading out into the snow.
  • Children often wear mittens because they are easier to put on.
glove

Refers to a type of hand covering with separate sections for each finger, often used for warmth, protection, or fashion.

  • He wore leather gloves to keep his hands warm while riding his bike.
  • Doctors wear surgical gloves to maintain hygiene during operations.
hand covering

A general term that can refer to any item that covers the hand, including gloves, mittens, and mitts. Used when the specific type is not mentioned or is not important.

  • You should wear some kind of hand covering in this freezing weather.
  • The box contained various hand coverings, including gloves and mittens.
mitt

Usually refers to a mitten with a specific purpose, such as an oven mitt for handling hot items or a baseball mitt used in sports. Also used for similar items in baby care.

  • She grabbed the baking tray out of the oven with her oven mitt.
  • The baseball player put on his mitt before heading out to the field.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a pair of wool mittens to keep her hands warm in the snow.
  • His fingers were numb from the cold until he put on his mittens.
Context #2 | Noun

cat toy

In the context of pet toys, a mitten can refer to a small glove-shaped toy filled with catnip or other materials to entertain cats by batting it around.

Synonyms

cat toy, pet entertainment, plaything.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mitten

Used to describe a type of glove that covers the whole hand but has only one section for the thumb. Primarily used in cold weather.

  • She wore a red mitten to keep her hands warm
cat toy

Specifically refers to an object designed for cats to play with, often to provide mental and physical stimulation.

  • I bought a new cat toy to keep my kitten entertained
plaything

A broad term for any object used in play, usually by children or pets. Can refer to toys, games, and various items providing amusement or enjoyment.

  • The dog grabbed its favorite plaything and started running around the yard
pet entertainment

General term for anything used to keep pets, not just cats, engaged and entertained. It can include toys, activities, and other items.

  • Pet entertainment is important to prevent dogs from becoming bored

Examples of usage

  • The kitten played with the mitten for hours, chasing it around the room.
  • She bought a mitten toy for her cat to keep it entertained.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Mitten-wearing is especially popular in colder climates, highlighting regional adaptations to harsh weather.
  • In some cultures, giving a pair of mittens as a gift symbolizes caring and warmth.

Fashion

  • Mitten designs vary widely, from traditional knitted styles to modern, insulated options for extreme weather.
  • They have become a fashion accessory, with many brands creating stylish and colorful variants.

Historical Use

  • Mitten-like designs have been found in various ancient artifacts, showing that people have protected their hands from the cold for centuries.
  • In medieval Europe, mittens were often made from animal fur, which provided excellent insulation.

Science

  • Wearing mittens can preserve body heat better than gloves because fingers are kept together, generating warmth collectively.
  • Modern materials used in mittens, like Gore-Tex, provide both warmth and breathability, making them ideal for various activities.

Origin of 'mitten'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'mitaine', which originally referred to a type of glove.
  • It is believed to be derived from the Latin word 'mittere', meaning 'to send', possibly hinting at the idea of sending warmth to your hands.

The word 'mitten' originated from the Old French word 'mitaine', which meant a type of glove without fingers. Mittens have been used for centuries as a practical and warm hand covering, especially in cold climates. Over time, the concept of mittens has evolved to include various designs and materials, making them a popular choice for keeping hands warm during winter.

See also: mittens, mitts.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,227 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.