liter

noun

li·​ter ˈlē-tər 

variants or litre

: a metric unit of capacity equal to one cubic decimeter see Metric System Table

Examples of liter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Technicians loaded the observatory with 290 gallons (1,100 liters) of hydrazine fuel on July 25, then attached it to its payload adapter in early August. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Savvy hikers carry at least 2 to 3 liters of aqua per person for front-country hikes, and 4 or more for backcountry excursions. — Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026

The filter basket capacity is a hefty six liters, so leaves, twigs, dirt, fine sand, algae, and bugs don't stand a chance. — John Mihaly, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026

That’s why Cooluli recalled 250,000 10-liter and 15-liter minifridges. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French litre, from Medieval Latin litra, a measure, from Greek, a weight

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for liter

• beater
• cheater
• dieter
• eater
• heater
• litre
• meter
• metre
• neater
• praetor
• seater
• skeeter

Kids Definition

liter

noun

li·​ter

variants or litre

ˈlēt-ər

: a metric unit of capacity equal to one cubic decimeter see metric system

Medical Definition

liter

noun

li·​ter

variants or chiefly British litre

ˈlēt-ər 

: a metric unit of capacity equal to the volume of one kilogram of water at 4°C (39°F) and at standard atmospheric pressure of 760 millimeters of mercury