: a large usually flat-bottomed barge used especially in unloading or loading ships
Examples of lighter in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 21 Jan. 2026
In fact, the physical comedy comes off well throughout the production, in particular a bit with Beau’s wedding ring, though the penchant for cigarettes and lighters to be found everywhere — a silly nod to the time period — could be given a bit more oomph.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026
Pyne was placed under arrest with several lighters on his person, and police confirmed that Pyne was the initial caller to Metro Communications earlier that afternoon.
—Vanessa Carlson Bender, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 14 Jan. 2026
Whether board games can replace lighters, mugs, and small leather goods as the new gateway into luxury, or simply exist as novelty collectibles, remains to be seen.
—Mecca Pryor, Essence, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lighter
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Noun
There were commemorative plates of every kind, Zippo lighters, bicycles.
—Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 21 Jan. 2026
In fact, the physical comedy comes off well throughout the production, in particular a bit with Beau’s wedding ring, though the penchant for cigarettes and lighters to be found everywhere — a silly nod to the time period — could be given a bit more oomph.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026
Pyne was placed under arrest with several lighters on his person, and police confirmed that Pyne was the initial caller to Metro Communications earlier that afternoon.
—Vanessa Carlson Bender, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 14 Jan. 2026
Whether board games can replace lighters, mugs, and small leather goods as the new gateway into luxury, or simply exist as novelty collectibles, remains to be seen.
—Mecca Pryor, Essence, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lighter
Cite this Entry
“Lighter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighter. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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