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.
Instead of hauling every liter of life support from Earth, future explorers might be able to simply harvest the lunar landscape. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Mar. 2026 The slide-out in the nose box next to the primary galley houses a fridge/freezer of up to 90 liters, and those wanting more cold storage can add a second fridge slide in place of the drawer stack on the stove/sink slide-out. New Atlas, 2 Mar. 2026 Interior elastic loops and a mesh slip pocket keep bottles and smaller accessories secure, while the spacious 2-liter interior holds everything neatly in one place. Kayla Kitts, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2026 The bill leaves some room to adjust the fees, with maximums of 5 cents per gallon of beer, hard cider, or apple wine; 7 cents per liter of wine; and 35 cents per liter of spirits. Denver Post, 27 Feb. 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 9 Mar. 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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