Mittens - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

winter clothing

A type of glove that covers the hand and has a separate part for the thumb, but not for each finger.

Synonyms

gloves, hand warmers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mittens	Mittens are best suited for extremely cold weather as they keep your fingers together, which generates more heat. They are often used for activities like skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. She put on her mittens before going out to play in the snow. Mittens are ideal for young children because they are easier to put on and stay warmer.
gloves	Gloves are used when you need more finger dexterity. They are suitable for moderately cold weather and activities where you need to use your fingers freely, such as driving, using a phone, or working while keeping your hands warm. He wore gloves while driving to keep his hands warm. Gardeners often wear gloves to protect their hands from thorns and dirt.
hand warmers	Hand warmers are small, portable packets or devices designed to keep your hands warm in extreme cold or if you suffer from poor circulation. They are often used in conjunction with gloves or mittens. She placed hand warmers inside her gloves for extra warmth during the hockey game. Ice fishermen rely on hand warmers to keep their hands from freezing.

Word

Description / Examples

mittens

Mittens are best suited for extremely cold weather as they keep your fingers together, which generates more heat. They are often used for activities like skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.

She put on her mittens before going out to play in the snow.
Mittens are ideal for young children because they are easier to put on and stay warmer.

gloves

Gloves are used when you need more finger dexterity. They are suitable for moderately cold weather and activities where you need to use your fingers freely, such as driving, using a phone, or working while keeping your hands warm.

He wore gloves while driving to keep his hands warm.
Gardeners often wear gloves to protect their hands from thorns and dirt.

hand warmers

Hand warmers are small, portable packets or devices designed to keep your hands warm in extreme cold or if you suffer from poor circulation. They are often used in conjunction with gloves or mittens.

She placed hand warmers inside her gloves for extra warmth during the hockey game.
Ice fishermen rely on hand warmers to keep their hands from freezing.

Examples of usage

Sarah wore mittens to keep her hands warm in the snow.
He lost one of his mittens while playing outside.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

In some cultures, mittens are seen as symbols of warmth and affection, often gifted during holidays.
Mittens play a key role in winter festivals around the world, like the celebration of snow in Scandinavian countries.
In Siberian culture, traditional mittens are made from animal fur and are essential for surviving extreme cold.

Fashion

Mittens come in many styles, from knitted ones to sleek leather types, showcasing personal fashion taste.
They often have patterns and colors that reflect local cultural identities, such as Fair Isle designs.
In fashion shows, designers sometimes use mittens as accessories to make bold winter statements.

Functionality

Mittens keep hands warmer than gloves because fingers share space and warmth together.
They are often preferred in very cold climates for outdoor activities like skiing or snowboarding.
Some mittens come with a water-resistant outer layer to keep hands dry in snow or rain.

Educational Uses

Crafting mittens offers children a fun way to learn knitting or sewing skills.
Teachers often use mittens in winter-themed lessons to teach about staying warm during cold seasons.
In storytelling, mittens can be used as props to engage kids in creative themes about winter adventures.

Origin of 'mittens'

Main points about word origin

The word 'mitten' comes from the Old French 'mitaine', which referred to a type of glove.
In Latin, 'manuaria' means 'glove' and is related to the history of hand coverings.
The term evolved over time, emphasizing the thumb separated from the other fingers.

The word 'mittens' originated from the French word 'mitaine', which means 'mitten'. Mittens have been used for centuries to keep hands warm in cold weather. They are commonly associated with winter and snow activities, providing insulation and protection against the elements.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,726, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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24723 rill
24724 prearranged
24725 disfavor
24726 mittens
24727 unbleached
24728 tunnelling
24729 attractor
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Mittens Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations