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.
An image posted by KRNV News 4 showed 2-liter bottles of soda scattered in the aisle of a local Dollar General. Jason Green, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2026 What works for autonomous cars may not work as intended for liter-class superbikes, too. New Atlas, 10 Apr. 2026 The largest suitcase holds up to 102 liters, the medium holds 68 liters, and the carry-on holds 41 liters. Nathan Allen, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2026 Do yourself a favor and grab a caguama (a liter-size beer) to wash it down. Anais Martinez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 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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