liter

noun

li·​ter ˈlē-tər How to pronounce liter (audio)
variants or litre
: a metric unit of capacity equal to one cubic decimeter see Metric System Table

Examples of liter 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.
Gonex Waterproof Underseat Carry-on Made with waterproof and lightweight PVC fabric, this underseat bag offers 30 liters of carrying capacity. Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2026 Since the start of last year, roughly 15 million gallons (57 million liters) of sewage spilled in Baltimore. ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026 Surgeons drained nearly three liters of blood from his chest cavity. Emily Trainham, FOXNews.com, 7 Mar. 2026 Use scissors or a utility knife to cut off the top of a 2-liter plastic bottle just before the shoulder of the bottle. Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for liter

Word History

Etymology

French litre, from Medieval Latin litra, a measure, from Greek, a weight

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of liter was in 1797

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Liter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liter. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

liter

noun
li·​ter
variants or litre
ˈlēt-ər
: a metric unit of capacity equal to one cubic decimeter see metric system

Medical Definition

liter

noun
li·​ter
variants or chiefly British litre
: a metric unit of capacity equal to the volume of one kilogram of water at 4°C (39°F) and at standard atmospheric pressure of 760 millimeters of mercury

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