lighter

1 of 3

noun (1)

ligh·​ter ˈlī-tər How to pronounce lighter (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce lighter (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Many would have seen the sad sea turtle with a straw embedded deep into its nostril, or the albatross chicks having been fed bottle caps and cigarette lighters by their unknowing parents. New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2024 In Aslan’s bedroom, his father, Nidal, pointed to items laid out neatly on his son’s bunk bed — a baseball cap, cigarette lighters, a piece of clothing blotted with blood. Hadeel Al-Shalchi, NPR, 7 Sep. 2024 The phone aesthetic was based on 1960s Japanese lighters, and the paperlike electronic displays aim to mimic shoji screens. Sophie Charara, WIRED, 28 Sep. 2024 Amazon is a bevy of such cool gadgets—a tool for anything and everything—including organizers that wrangle appliance cords, rechargeable lighters, and even cleaning products that get into the tightest of spots. Barbara Bellesi Zito, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lighter 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of lighter was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near lighter

Cite this Entry

“Lighter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighter. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

lighter

1 of 3 noun
ligh·​ter ˈlīt-ər How to pronounce lighter (audio)
: 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!