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.
Using a 10-liter reactor, heat and pressure were applied to turn soggy stillage into a fine black powder, which was then refined in a furnace into two distinct materials. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026 The capacity is just under 6 liters. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026 One carries 1,500 gallons (5,678 liters) of water and firefighting chemicals. Jake Offenhartz, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026 The standard threshold to flag iron deficiency is a ferritin level below 15 micrograms per liter, based on a single study from the 1990s. Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 20 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 26 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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