Showing results for "lighter"

• comparative of light.

lighter

¹ American  

[lahy-ter] / ˈlaɪ tər /

noun

1. a person or thing that lights or ignites.

2. a mechanical device used in lighting cigarettes, cigars, or pipes for smoking.

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lighter ² American  

[lahy-ter] / ˈlaɪ tər /

noun

1. a large, open, flat-bottomed barge, used in unloading and loading ships offshore or in transporting goods for short distances in shallow waters.

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verb (used with object)

1. to convey in or as if in a lighter.

lighter ¹ British  

/ ˈlaɪtə /

noun

1. a small portable device for providing a naked flame or red-hot filament to light cigarettes, etc

2. a person or thing that ignites something

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lighter ² British  

/ ˈlaɪtə /

noun

1. a flat-bottomed barge used for transporting cargo, esp in loading or unloading a ship

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Etymology

Origin of lighter¹

First recorded in 1545–55; light ¹ + -er ¹

Origin of lighter²

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at light ³, -er ¹

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lighter

It already had a lighter facelift for Nintendo's handheld 3DS in 2011.

From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2026

Perhaps the system did not contain one extremely massive object paired with a much lighter companion.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 10, 2026

If he were in the NFL, his 6-foot-5 frame would make him the right height for a tight end—except he’s around 50 pounds lighter than, say, Travis Kelce.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026

Then bringing them together and not feeling like we have to make it pop or saturate the music or make the drums lighter and more radio-friendly.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026

My heart feels lighter as I watch Connor scramble out of bed.

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day

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Related Words

• barge
• boat
• life raft
• lifeboat

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