liter

noun

li·​ter ˈlē-tər 

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

To save the cost and effort of pumping millions of liters of seawater solely to obtain minerals, the researchers propose bolting modular reactors onto coastal desalination plants, which already move enormous quantities of the stuff. — New Atlas, 27 July 2026

Nevertheless, the high front of the GT, which accommodates that 97-liter frunk, wasn’t intended purely to house this future alternative powertrain, but to maintain the family resemblance with other members of the Range Rover range. — James Morris, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

For example, in Pennsylvania, the combined activity of two radioactive forms of radium averaged 2,000 picocuries per liter in conventional oil and gas brine and 1,800 picocuries per liter in unconventional Marcellus Shale brine. — Nathaniel Warner, The Conversation, 24 July 2026

Two desalination units have also produced more than 154,000 liters of clean water. — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for liter

• beater
• cheater
• dieter
• eater
• heater
• litre
• meter
• metre
• neater
• praetor
• seater
• skeeter

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

ˈlēt-ər 

: 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