What does mitten mean?
A mitten is a warm covering for the hand in which the thumb is separated from the other four fingers, which share one compartment. Mittens are commonly knitted from wool and worn in pairs during cold weather, although they may also be made from synthetic fabrics, leather, or waterproof materials. The word can refer to one glove or collectively to a pair. Compared with a conventional glove, a mitten sacrifices some dexterity because the fingers cannot move independently, but it generally retains more warmth by reducing the surface area exposed to cold air. Mittens are especially associated with winter clothing, children’s snow gear, and traditional crafts such as knitting and crochet. The term is also used figuratively in expressions involving missing or separated thumbs, reflecting the mitten’s distinctive shape.
nounA warm covering for the hand, usually made of wool or similar material, with one part for the thumb and a common section for the other four fingers. A pair of mittens is worn to keep both hands warm.
- A warm hand covering with a separate pocket for the thumb and a shared covering for the other four fingers.
"She found a matching pair of knitted mittens in the cupboard."
"The children put on their mittens before going out to play in the snow."
"His woollen mitten has a small hole in the thumb."
The usual plural, especially when referring to a pair of hand coverings.
"She wore brightly coloured mittens to keep her hands warm."
A mitten gives the thumb a room of its own while keeping the other four fingers together for warmth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mitten come from?
The English word comes through Middle English from German, where related forms also denote mittens or gloves. The older German form Mitteln preserves the plural element of the source word and helped establish the modern English form. English also has the cognate mitt, an older and less common word for a glove or mitten.
How mitten is actually used
The singular is common when referring to one item from a pair or, collectively, to handwear of this kind. In informal North American usage, "mittens" can also suggest especially large, colourful, or warmly lined winter gloves.
Easily confused with mitten
A glove normally has separate compartments for all five fingers, whereas a mitten has a separate compartment only for the thumb.