mitten
UK: ˈmɪt(ə)n | US: ˈmɪtn
n. a type of glove that covers the four fingers together and the thumb separately
n. (informal) a hand or fist
mitten = mitt<hand> + en<diminutive suffix>
- mitt (from Old French mite, meaning "mitten" or "glove," ultimately from Latin manica "sleeve, covering for the hand")
- en (a diminutive suffix in Middle English, often used to form nouns indicating small or familiar objects)
Etymology Origin:
The word "mitten" traces back to Old French mite, a term for a glove, which itself derived from Latin manica (a sleeve or hand covering). The suffix -en was added in Middle English, likely to denote a smaller or more familiar version of the original. Over time, "mitten" specifically came to refer to gloves with a single compartment for fingers, distinguishing them from full-fingered gloves. The evolution reflects practicality—mittens were easier to make and warmer for cold climates.
She knitted a pair of wool mittens for the winter.
The toddler lost one mitten while playing in the snow.
He punched the wall with his mitten-covered hand.
Traditional Inuit mittens are often made from sealskin.
"Put on your mittens—it's freezing outside!" her mother called.