liter

noun

li·​ter ˈlē-tər How to pronounce liter (audio)
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
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.
The code previously stated that fans could bring empty, transparent reusable plastic bottles with a capacity of up to 1 liter into stadiums. Elmira Aliieva, NBC news, 4 June 2026 The 2 million liters of fire retardant dropped over the Eaton and Palisades fires could be a source, the study suggests. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026 The five-liter Ford V8 is tuned to 730 hp yet the car weighs under 1,600kg (~3,530 lb). New Atlas, 3 June 2026 One liter of beer is just under three standard 12-ounce beer cans — meaning that the delivery totaled over 30 gallons over two days. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for liter

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of liter was in 1797

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Liter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liter. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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
: 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

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