liter

noun

li·​ter ˈlē-tər How to pronounce liter (audio)
variants or
: 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.
This too was optimistic—and while several smaller airports like London City met the target and introduced the two-liter limit at this point, the major airports couldn’t meet the deadline. Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026 Almost immediately the gunman went rummaging through a small tackle box beneath his chair while the other man passed an unlabeled liter of clear liquid to Adi. Jonathan Miles, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 Drink three liters of water a day. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026 The vehicle accommodated one adult rider, with space for 160 liters of cargo or an optional child seat behind the main seat. New Atlas, 26 Jan. 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 1 Feb. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on liter

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