clutter
/ΛklΚtΙr/
Definition
A messy collection of things that are not organized or that are not needed. Often used to describe objects that fill a space and make it harder to use.
Example
She cleared the clutter from her desk before starting work.
Show translation
She removed the messy, disorganized items from her desk before starting work.
Etymology
From Middle English *cloteren*, meaning "to clot or heap together," related to the Old English *clott* (a lump or clod). The sense of "a disordered mass of objects" emerged in the 16th century, and the word has been used both as a noun and verb ever since.
Cultural note
*Clutter* has become a culturally loaded word in English-speaking countries, especially since the rise of minimalism and the global popularity of decluttering guides (such as Marie Kondo's *The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up*). In everyday speech, it can extend metaphorically beyond physical spaces β "mental clutter" or "inbox clutter" are common expressions in modern life.