droppings

Everyday

1. The solid waste (poo) of animals and birds. tree →
2. Dirt or rubbish that falls down from above, such as from a gutter. tree →

In the lessons

In science and nature, droppings help you find out which animals live in an area, like rabbits, mice or owls. In hygiene and safety lessons, do not touch droppings; they can carry germs, so wash your hands after being outside or with pets. Phrases: bird droppings, mouse droppings, rabbit droppings, sheep droppings.

Examples

• We found rabbit droppings in the field. tree →
• Bird droppings landed on the car. tree →
• Mouse droppings showed us there were mice in the shed. tree →
• Don't touch animal droppings. tree →
• Wash your hands after cleaning the guinea pig's cage. tree →
• Owl pellets are not droppings. tree →
• He had jumped into the dust-bin, where all sorts of rubbish were lying: cabbage-stalks, dust, and rain-droppings that had fallen down from the gutter under the roof. tree →

Note

Almost always plural: "droppings". It comes from "drop". It is a polite word for animal poo. Hygiene: droppings can spread disease, so wear gloves when cleaning cages and wash hands well.