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

Most types of lighters are allowed on carry-on bags, but passengers have to take steps to prevent unintentional activation. —Filip Timotija, The Hill, 8 July 2025

Guns, knives, lighters and cop cars are seen during a series of intense fast cuts. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 22 July 2025

Avoid broken glass, nails or other sharp objects and do not use matches or lighters because there could be natural gas pipes or fuel tanks leaking nearby. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

The venue also prohibits backpacks, professional cameras with detachable lenses, selfie sticks, noisemakers, weapons, aerosol cans, cigarettes, vapes, and lighters. —Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2025

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