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 bag itself is pretty compact but fits a ton — 25 liters of stuff to be exact. Mike Winters, CNBC, 7 Dec. 2025 Puncheons are large barrels with about 500 liters of capacity. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 Dec. 2025 The first deal was revealed on Wednesday — a two-liter Coke for 99 cents. Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 3 Dec. 2025 The adjustable strap can be worn as a crossbody or as a belt, and the 1-liter capacity is a Goldilocks size for carrying all my essentials hands-free. Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 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 14 Dec. 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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