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

It's got four seats (though the ones in the rear are only really suitable for kids under 5ft3), 481 liters of storage, and a bit more room for the charging cable and other gear under the rear seating. — New Atlas, 15 Sep. 2026

The result may appear in parts per million (ppm), milligrams per liter (mg/L) or grains per gallon (gpg). — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026

Hardness is usually reported in parts per million (ppm), milligrams per liter (mg/L) or grains per gallon (gpg). — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026

The top of the cleaner holds a water outlet, a control panel, and a transparent cover for the 4-liter filter basket. — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 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