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

Weapons, explosives, detonators, work tools, helmets, lighters, matches, smoke bombs, spray cans. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 June 2026

During the gig, fans held up lighters as Bridgers serenaded the crowd. —Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026

Every room in my house seems to attract little piles of clutter, and the patio is no different, with sunglasses, barbecue lighters, sunscreen, and random odds and ends constantly scattered around. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 13 May 2026

Photos shared by the department show the large haul of contraband seized by authorities, including several bags of marijuana, rolling papers, wireless headphones and more than two dozen lighters. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026

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

Rhymes for lighter

• biter
• brighter
• fighter
• miter
• niter
• reiter
• righter
• slighter
• tighter
• titer
• titre
• whiter

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