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

Along Italy's eastern coast, bands of lighter blue water stand out against the deeper blue offshore.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026

But when he first developed an interest in filmmaking, he had a lighter approach.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026

The court heard that in April 2025 Nigel Farage's partner found that damage had been caused to their main front door at their house and a bottle of lighter fluid was found in the porch.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

Most important, in a day of improbable miracles, Ralph was able to connect the suctioning device to the ambulance’s cigarette lighter and make John comfortable.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

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Related Words

• barge
• boat
• life raft
• lifeboat

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