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

There are also lots of other coins, jewelry, lighters, pocket knives, and rare paper currency to bid on. —Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026

Showers keeps a small collection of vintage lighters on a tray in her living room. —Ryan Conner, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026

That same rule of thumb goes for any type of flame source, like lighters or torches. —Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2026

There were commemorative plates of every kind, Zippo lighters, bicycles. —Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 21 Jan. 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