lighter

1 of 3

noun (1)

ligh·​ter ˈlī-tər 

: a large usually flat-bottomed barge used especially in unloading or loading ships

lighter

2 of 3

verb

lightered; lightering; lighters

transitive verb

: to convey by a lighter

lighter

3 of 3

noun (2)

light·​er ˈlī-tər 

1

: one that lights or sets a fire

2

: a device for lighting a fire

especially : a mechanical or electrical device used for lighting cigarettes, cigars, or pipes

Examples of lighter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

During the match, the 3,500 travelling supporters were pelted with bottles, coins and lighters thrown from home sections. —Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024

Never smoke in bed; keep lighters and cigarettes away from children. —Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 11 Dec. 2024

However, with the knowledge that today’s miniature cameras can be built into lighters, pens, and other non-phone devices, is that enough of a safety measure? —Ben Dowsett, WIRED, 10 Dec. 2024

Tabletop lighters are having a moment—a jelly-mold glass one filled with cocktail olives from Edie Parker is a dream ($146), as is a Brutalist-adjacent lighter ($60 on sale) from Houseplant. —Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Middle Dutch *lichter, from lichten to unload; akin to Old English lēoht light in weight

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1677, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lighter

• lighter fluid
• lighter-than-air

Kids Definition

lighter

1 of 3 noun

ligh·​ter ˈlīt-ər 

: a large barge used especially in unloading or loading ships

lighter

2 of 3 verb

: to carry by a lighter

lighter

3 of 3 noun

light·​er

ˈlīt-ər

: one that lights

especially : a device for lighting

a cigarette lighter

Etymology

Noun

Middle English lighter "boat"; of Dutch origin

Noun

from ³light and -er