What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scat
Example
The hiker found scat on the trail and identified it as bear droppings. [scat: noun]
Example
The tracker examined the scat to determine the animal's diet and habits. [scat: noun]
dung
Example
The farmer used cow dung as fertilizer for his crops. [dung: noun]
Example
In some cultures, dried dung is used as fuel for cooking fires. [dung: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dung is more commonly used than scat in everyday language, especially in agricultural and gardening contexts. Scat is less common and is mostly used in wildlife tracking and identification.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scat and dung?
Both scat and dung are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.