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

According to Grand View Research, the global smoking accessories market (including vaporizers, rolling papers, water pipes, lighters and more) was valued at approximately $66.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $91.9 billion by 2030. —Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

From grinders, to rolling trays, to joint cases, to lighters, these toolkits are not just a set of useful tools. —Emily Earlenbaugh, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

There were four other code enforcement violations not involving gas leaks or carbon monoxide at a water heater and gas log lighters installed in three fireplaces, the departments said. —Miles Cohen, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2025

Johnson then took two lighters from a display, two packs of cigarettes and removed a ring from Harris' finger. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 22 May 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