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.
Key Takeaways The best natural way to pass a kidney stone is to drink 3 to 4 liters of water per day. Md Published, Verywell Health, 20 Oct. 2025 Checked has an 80-liter capacity and can store enough clothes for a trip that’s up to two weeks long. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025 Their simple, powerful design reportedly delivers record-breaking performance, and reaches 178 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) and 417 watt-hours per liter (Wh/L) in full pouch cells. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025 The extra half-liter of displacement allowed the mill to bump output up 30 hp to 247 hp, which took nearly a second off its zero-to-60-mph time and upped its top speed to 162 mph. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025 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 22 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on liter

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