clutter
KLUT-er
/ˈklʌt.ər/
A collection of things lying about in an untidy mass; to fill a space with an untidy collection of things.
Clutter refers to an excess of disorganized objects that crowd a space, causing mental or physical congestion.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Middle English 'clotter' (to clot or run together in lumps). It originally described liquid that had curdled or clotted, before shifting in the 16th century to describe a crowded, messy heap of physical things.
Word relationships
- jumble: A jumble is a confused, mixed-up mass of things, whereas clutter emphasizes that the items are unnecessary or crowding the space.
- litter: Litter refers to trash or discarded items scattered in a public place, whereas clutter is usually personal belongings in a domestic or work space.
- order: Order is a state of systematic and neat arrangement.
- neatness: Neatness is the quality of being clean and orderly.
Commonly confused with
- mess: A mess can include dirt, spills, and liquid, whereas clutter is specifically a crowd of dry objects.
Word family
- cluttered (adjective): Crowded or untidy with too many items.
Collocations
- clutter up
- clear the clutter
- mind clutter
- cluttered desk
Example sentences
- "The desk was covered in a clutter of paintbrushes, half-empty tubes, and sketches." A description of an artist's studio.
- "Too many small decorative items will clutter the mantelpiece and make the room look smaller." An interior design tip.
Memory hook
Clutter is like a 'cluster' of 'clots' in your room. Clutter is a cluster of clots.
When not to use
Do not use to describe dirt, mud, or stains; clutter is always composed of physical objects (papers, toys, clothes).
Fun facts
- In radar technology, 'clutter' refers to unwanted echoes from the ground, rain, or sea that interfere with the radar signal, mirroring the domestic concept of visual noise.
Explore more words
congestion, litter, overcrowding, Cleanliness, compact, Disorder
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