lighter

1 of 3

noun (1)

ligh·​ter ˈlī-tər How to pronounce lighter (audio)
Synonyms of lighternext
: 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 How to pronounce lighter (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
From the custom zippo lighters and iconic table lamps to our classic Avocado Louie, Chicken Pot Pie, truffle lasagna, and caviar macarons—the excitement to evolve those details year after year, while having fun entertaining 1,500 celebratory guests, was incredible. Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 3 Mar. 2026 Williams is the 7th District council member with the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability—representing Englewood, where one of the torch lighters from a vape shop was purchased for just $30. Jermont Terry, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for lighter

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of lighter was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lighter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighter. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

lighter

1 of 3 noun
ligh·​ter ˈlīt-ər How to pronounce lighter (audio)
: 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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