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

That’s why Cooluli recalled 250,000 10-liter and 15-liter minifridges. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026

After years of expansion, production across the company’s brands fell about 32% in 2025 to 550,000 9-liter cases, according to the company. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

The tailgate incorporates an aerodynamic wing and opens onto a 170-liter trunk. — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Specifically, that 2001 testing showed the carcinogenic solvent and dry-cleaning chemical perchloroethylene, or PCE, in the soil at levels as high as 6,658 micrograms per liter, said Alysa Pakkidis, information officer for the agency. — Kori McNair, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 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