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.
At the center of all the excitement was a completely new, state-of-the-art liter-class V4 and a 'Master of Speed' superbike concept. New Atlas, 15 Nov. 2025 According to de Souza’s mother, the creator and her two friends consumed roughly one and a half liters of whisky, and the bottle with the remainder of the drink is under analysis. Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025 Meanwhile, almost two liters of blood pocketed inside McGill. Charlotte Observer, 13 Nov. 2025 Globally, municipal solid waste could yield about 50 million tons (62 billion liters) of jet fuel, roughly 16 percent of the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 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 25 Nov. 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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