lighter

1 of 3

noun (1)

ligh·​ter ˈlī-tər How to pronounce lighter (audio)
: a large usually flat-bottomed barge used especially in unloading or loading ships

lighter

2 of 3

verb

lightered; lightering; lighters

transitive verb

: to convey by a lighter

lighter

3 of 3

noun (2)

light·​er ˈlī-tər How to pronounce lighter (audio)
1
: one that lights or sets a fire
2
: a device for lighting a fire
especially : a mechanical or electrical device used for lighting cigarettes, cigars, or pipes

Examples of lighter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
There were cocktail sets for the traveling drinker (or the drinking traveler), compendiums that included cigarette cases, lighters, clocks, and pill boxes, and, since 1930, exquisite writing instruments produced by the Japanese lacquer specialist Namiki. Paul Croughton, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2024 Three lighters are included in the collection, each with colorways that coordinate with the pens: Line 2, Maxjet and Slim 7. Nancy Olson, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024 Such labs use butane, a highly combustible gas commonly used in lighters and camp stoves, to extract a potent, waxy cannabis concentrate known as hash oil or honey oil from marijuana plants. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2024 Ibrahim hoped to find his collection of Zippo lighters, a copper drum, an antique radio, a sword that had belonged to his grandfather and some gold jewelry that Pinar had received from her mother. Safak Timur Emin Ozmen, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2024 Inside his car, officials found lighters and electronic devices that, according to court records, had audio and video recordings of Maynard talking about committing arson, and the sound of matches being struck. Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 2 Feb. 2024 One of these is the equivalent to 300 traditonal lighters. Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 5 Jan. 2024 According to the National Fire Protection Administration, Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires each year, many ignited by shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters, or matches. Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 15 Dec. 2023 In another, with a dramatic black and white filter, he’s posed with his eyes closed, contemplating life without lighters. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lighter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Middle Dutch *lichter, from lichten to unload; akin to Old English lēoht light in weight

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1677, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lighter was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near lighter

Cite this Entry

“Lighter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighter. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lighter

1 of 3 noun
ligh·​ter ˈlīt-ər How to pronounce lighter (audio)
: a large barge used especially in unloading or loading ships

lighter

2 of 3 verb
: to carry by a lighter

lighter

3 of 3 noun
light·​er
ˈlīt-ər
: one that lights
especially : a device for lighting
a cigarette lighter
Etymology

Noun

Middle English lighter "boat"; of Dutch origin

Noun

from 3light and -er

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!