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

Professor Omar Yaghi, a chemist at the University of California, Berkeley and a 2025 Nobel Prize winner, has invented a machine that can harvest up to 1,000 liters of clean water daily from thin air. —Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026

The outlet-exclusive style, on sale for under $40, is the ultimate travel essential, holding up to 52 liters. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026

His backpack — a 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack — was previously identified as a product sold exclusively at Walmart. —Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 21 Feb. 2026

In the video, the man is wearing a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack that can be purchased at Walmart, according to the FBI. —Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 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