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

The standards, created to protect children from small open-flame sources, including matches, lighters, candles, fireplace embers, stoves and space heaters, mean that garments of children's sleepwear must pass certain flammability tests. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026

With the lights turned off, many in the crowd of 93,103 held up lighters and lit matches in tribute. —Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 17 Feb. 2026

All three flame-lighters — Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni in Milan, and Sofia Goggia in Cortina — are Olympic champion Alpine ski racers from Italy. —Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026

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

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