lighter

[ lahy-ter ]

/ ˈlaɪ tər /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR lighter ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a person or thing that lights or ignites.

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

Nearby words

lightboard, lightboat, lighten, lighten up, lightening, lighter, lighter fluid, lighter than air, lighter-than-air, lighterage, lighterman

Origin of lighter

First recorded in 1545–55; light¹ + -er¹

Can be confusedletter lighter liter litter

Definition for lighter (2 of 4)

lighter

[ lahy-ter ]

/ ˈlaɪ tər /

noun

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

verb (used with object)

to convey in or as if in a lighter.

Origin of lighter

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at light³, -er¹

Definition for lighter (3 of 4)

light

[ lahyt ]

/ laɪt /

noun

something that makes things visible or affords illumination: All colors depend on light.

Physics.

Also called luminous energy, radiant energy. electromagnetic radiation to which the organs of sight react, ranging in wavelength from about 400 to 700 nm and propagated at a speed of 186,282 mi./sec (299,972 km/sec), considered variously as a wave, corpuscular, or quantum phenomenon.
a similar form of radiant energy that does not affect the retina, as ultraviolet or infrared rays.

the sensation produced by stimulation of the organs of sight.

an illuminating agent or source, as the sun, a lamp, or a beacon.

the radiance or illumination from a particular source: the light of a candle.

the illumination from the sun; daylight: We awoke at the first light.

daybreak or dawn: when light appeared in the east.

daytime: Summer has more hours of light.

a particular light or illumination in which an object seen takes on a certain appearance: viewing the portrait in dim light.

a device for or means of igniting, as a spark, flame, or match: Could you give me a light?

a traffic light: Don't cross till the light changes.

the aspect in which a thing appears or is regarded: Try to look at the situation in a more cheerful light.

the state of being visible, exposed to view, or revealed to public notice or knowledge; limelight: Stardom has placed her in the light.

a person who is an outstanding leader, celebrity, or example; luminary: He became one of the leading lights of Restoration drama.

Art.

the effect of light falling on an object or scene as represented in a picture.
one of the brightest parts of a picture.

a gleam or sparkle, as in the eyes.

a measure or supply of light; illumination: The wall cuts off our light.

spiritual illumination or awareness; enlightenment.

Architecture.

Also called day. one compartment of a window or window sash.
a window, especially a small one.

mental insight; understanding.

lights, the information, ideas, or mental capacities possessed: to act according to one's lights.

a lighthouse.

Archaic. the eyesight.

adjective, light·er, light·est.

having light or illumination; bright; well-lighted: the lightest room in the entire house.

pale, whitish, or not deep or dark in color: a light blue.

(of coffee or tea) containing enough milk or cream to produce a light color.

verb (used with object), light·ed or lit, light·ing.

to set burning, as a candle, lamp, fire, match, or cigarette; kindle; ignite.

to turn or switch on (an electric light): One flick of the master switch lights all the lamps in the room.

to give light to; furnish with light or illumination: The room is lighted by two large chandeliers.

to make (an area or object) bright with or as if with light (often followed by up): Hundreds of candles lighted up the ballroom.

to cause (the face, surroundings, etc.) to brighten, especially with joy, animation, or the like (often followed by up): A smile lit up her face. Her presence lighted up the room.

to guide or conduct with a light: a candle to light you to bed.

verb (used without object), light·ed or lit, light·ing.

to take fire or become kindled: The damp wood refused to light.

to ignite a cigar, cigarette, or pipe for purposes of smoking (usually followed by up): He took out a pipe and lighted up before speaking.

to become illuminated when switched on: This table lamp won't light.

to become bright, as with light or color (often followed by up): The sky lights up at sunset.

to brighten with animation or joy, as the face or eyes (often followed by up).

Origin of light

before 900; (noun and adj.) Middle English; Old English lēoht; cognate with Old Saxon lioht, Old Frisian liacht, Dutch, German licht, Gothic liuhath (noun); akin to Old Norse ljōs (noun), ljōss (adj.), Latin lūx (noun), Greek leukós bright, white; (v.) Middle English lighten, Old English līhtan, cognate with Old Saxon liuhtian, Old High German liuhten (German leuchten), Gothic liuhtjan

Related formslight·ful, adjectivelight·ful·ly, adverb

Definition for lighter (4 of 4)

light

[ lahyt ]

/ laɪt /

adjective, light·er, light·est.

of little weight; not heavy: a light load.

of little weight in proportion to bulk; of low specific gravity: a light metal.

of less than the usual or average weight: light clothing.

weighing less than the proper or standard amount: to be caught using light weights in trade.

of small amount, force, intensity, etc.: light trading on the stock market; a light rain; light sleep.

using or applying little or slight pressure or force: The child petted the puppy with light, gentle strokes.

not distinct; faint: The writing on the page had become light and hard to read.

easy to endure, deal with, or perform; not difficult or burdensome: light duties.

not very profound or serious; amusing or entertaining: light reading.

of little importance or consequence; trivial: The loss of his job was no light matter.

easily digested: light food.

low in any substance, as sugar, starch, or tars, that is considered harmful or undesirable: light cigarettes.

(of alcoholic beverages)

not heavy or strong: a light apéritif.
(especially of beer and wine) having fewer calories and usually a lower alcohol content than the standard product.

spongy or well-leavened, as cake.

(of soil) containing much sand; porous or crumbly.

slender or delicate in form or appearance: a light, graceful figure.

airy or buoyant in movement: When she dances, she's as light as a feather.

nimble or agile: light on one's feet.

free from trouble, sorrow, or worry; carefree: a light heart.

cheerful; merry: a light laugh.

characterized by lack of proper seriousness; frivolous: light conduct.

sexually promiscuous; loose.

easily swayed; changeable; volatile: a heart light of love; His is a life of a man light of purpose.

dizzy; slightly delirious: I get light on one martini.

Military. lightly armed or equipped: light cavalry.

having little or no cargo, encumbrance, or the like; not burdened: a light freighter drawing little water.

adapted by small weight or slight build for small loads or swift movement: The grocer bought a light truck for deliveries.

using small-scale machinery primarily for the production of consumer goods: light industry.

Nautical. noting any sail of light canvas set only in moderate or calm weather, as a royal, skysail, studdingsail, gaff topsail, or spinnaker.

Meteorology. (of wind) having a speed up to 7 miles per hour (3 m/sec).Compare light air, light breeze.

Phonetics. (of l-sounds) resembling a front vowel in quality; clear: French l is lighter than English l.

Prosody. (of a syllable)

Poker. being in debt to the pot: He's a dollar light.

adverb, light·er, light·est.

lightly: to travel light.

with no load or cargo hauled or carried: a locomotive running light to its roundhouse.

noun

a light product, as a beer or cigarette.

Origin of light

before 900; Middle English; Old English lēoht, līht; cognate with Old Frisian li(u)cht, Old Saxon -līht, Dutch licht, German leicht, Old Norse lēttr, Gothic leihts

SYNONYMS FOR light

7 indistinct; faded.

10 trifling, inconsiderable.

19 cheery, happy.

21 flighty.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR light ON THESAURUS.COM

ANTONYMS FOR light

1 heavy.

SEE MORE ANTONYMS FOR light ON THESAURUS.COM

Can be confusedlight lite

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for lighter

New refinements in aluminum made structures both stronger and lighter.
Flight 8501 Poses Question: Are Modern Jets Too Automated to Fly?|Clive Irving|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Now on a lighter note, with Selma, you did get Oprah to throw a mean haymaker.
Ava DuVernay on ‘Selma,’ the Racist Sony Emails, and Making Golden Globes History|Marlow Stern|December 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Meanwhile younger, lighter colors evoke citrus and tree fruits, candy sugars and vanilla toffee.
Why Natural Color Is So Crucial To Understanding A Whisky’s Flavors||December 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But they are being built with new, lighter materials and powered with far more efficient engines.
Flying Coach Is the New Hell: How Airlines Engineer You Out of Room|Clive Irving|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST

On a lighter note, Hawking is also said to be a big fan of strip clubs.
The Other Side of Stephen Hawking: Strippers, Aliens, and Disturbing Abuse Claims|Marlow Stern|November 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Immature: Resembles adult, but lighter and more rufous in color; wings and rump paler, wings edged with rufous buff.
The Avifauna of Micronesia, Volume 3|Rollin H. Baker
"And now tell me of your plans, Dick," she said presently in a lighter tone.
The Eldest Son|Archibald Marshall
Heifer meat is smaller in the bone and lighter in color than ox beef.
The Story of Crisco|Marion Harris Neil
Now the Leipzig came nearer in order to take up the fight with the lighter British ships.
The Story of the Great War, Volume II (of VIII)|Various
The heavy guns on both sides engaged in duels at long range, with the lighter pieces working at targets nearer the lines.
The Story of the Great War, Volume VII (of VIII)|Various

British Dictionary definitions for lighter (1 of 5)

lighter

/ (ˈlaɪtə) /

noun

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

a person or thing that ignites something

British Dictionary definitions for lighter (2 of 5)

lighter

/ (ˈlaɪtə) /

noun

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

Word Origin for lighter

C15: probably from Middle Dutch; compare C16 Dutch lichter

British Dictionary definitions for lighter (3 of 5)

Light

/ (laɪt) /

noun

God regarded as a source of illuminating grace and strength

Quakerism short for Inner Light

British Dictionary definitions for lighter (4 of 5)

light

/ (laɪt) /

noun

the medium of illumination that makes sight possible

Also called: visible radiation electromagnetic radiation that is capable of causing a visual sensation and has wavelengths from about 380 to about 780 nanometres

(not in technical usage) electromagnetic radiation that has a wavelength outside this range, esp ultraviolet radiationultraviolet light

the sensation experienced when electromagnetic radiation within the visible spectrum falls on the retina of the eyeRelated prefix: photo-

anything that illuminates, such as a lamp or candle

See traffic light

a particular quality or type of lighta good light for reading

illumination from the sun during the day; daylight
the time this appears; daybreak; dawn

anything that allows the entrance of light, such as a window or compartment of a window

the condition of being visible or known (esp in the phrases bring or come to light)

an aspect or viewhe saw it in a different light

mental understanding or spiritual insight

a person considered to be an authority or leader

brightness of countenance, esp a sparkle in the eyes

the act of igniting or kindling something, such as a cigarette
something that ignites or kindles, esp in a specified manner, such as a spark or flame
something used for igniting or kindling, such as a match

See lighthouse

the effect of illumination on objects or scenes, as created in a picture
an area of brightness in a picture, as opposed to shade

a poetic or archaic word for eyesight

the answer to a clue in a crossword

in light of or in the light of in view of; taking into account; considering

light at the end of the tunnel hope for the ending of a difficult or unpleasant situation

out like a light quickly asleep or unconscious

see the light

to gain sudden insight into or understanding of something
to experience a religious conversion

see the light or see the light of day

to come into being
to come to public notice

shed light on or throw light on to clarify or supply additional information on

stand in a person's light to stand so as to obscure a person's vision

strike a light

(verb) to ignite something, esp a match, by friction
(interjection) British an exclamation of surprise

adjective

full of light; well-lighted

(of a colour) reflecting or transmitting a large amount of lightlight yellow Compare medium (def. 2), dark (def. 2)

phonetics relating to or denoting an (l) pronounced with front vowel resonance; clearthe French "l" is much lighter than that of English See dark (def. 9)

verb lights, lighting, lighted or lit (lɪt)

to ignite or cause to ignite

(often foll by up) to illuminate or cause to illuminate

to make or become cheerful or animated

(tr) to guide or lead by light

Word Origin for light

Old English lēoht; related to Old High German lioht, Gothic liuhath, Latin lux

British Dictionary definitions for lighter (5 of 5)

light

/ (laɪt) /

adjective

not heavy; weighing relatively little

having relatively low densitymagnesium is a light metal

lacking sufficient weight; not agreeing with standard or official weights

not great in degree, intensity, or numberlight rain; a light eater

without burdens, difficulties, or problems; easily borne or donea light heart; light work

graceful, agile, or deftlight fingers

not bulky or clumsy

not serious or profound; entertaininglight verse

without importance or consequence; insignificantno light matter

frivolous or capricious

loose in morals

dizzy or uncleara light head

(of bread, cake, etc) spongy or well leavened

easily digesteda light meal

relatively low in alcoholic contenta light wine

(of a soil) having a crumbly texture

(of a vessel, lorry, etc)

designed to carry light loads
not loaded

carrying light arms or equipmentlight infantry

(of an industry) engaged in the production of small consumer goods using light machineryCompare heavy (def. 10)

aeronautics (of an aircraft) having a maximum take-off weight less than 5670 kilograms (12 500 pounds)

chem (of an oil fraction obtained from coal tar) having a boiling range between about 100° and 210°C

(of a railway) having a narrow gauge, or in some cases a standard gauge with speed or load restrictions not applied to a main line

bridge

(of a bid) made on insufficient values
(of a player) having failed to take sufficient tricks to make his contract

phonetics prosody (of a syllable, vowel, etc) unaccented or weakly stressed; shortCompare heavy (def. 13) See also light 1 (def. 30)

phonetics the least of three levels of stress in an utterance, in such languages as English

light on informal lacking a sufficient quantity of (something)

make light of to treat as insignificant or trifling

adverb

a less common word for lightly

with little equipment, baggage, etcto travel light

verb lights, lighting, lighted or lit (lɪt) (intr)

(esp of birds) to settle or land after flight

to get down from a horse, vehicle, etc

(foll by on or upon) to come upon unexpectedly

to strike or fall onthe choice lighted on me

See also light into, light out, lights 2

Derived Formslightish, adjectivelightly, adverblightness, noun

Word Origin for light

Old English lēoht; related to Dutch licht, Gothic leihts

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for lighter (1 of 7)

lighter

n.1

"barge," late 15c., agent noun from light (adj.1), with a sense of lightening a load, or else from Dutch lichter, from lichten "to lighten, unload," on the same notion. They are used in loading or unloading ships that cannot approach a wharf.

Word Origin and History for lighter (1 of 7)

lighter

n.2

"person who lights," 1550s, agent noun from light (v.2).

Word Origin and History for lighter (2 of 7)

light

v.2

"to illuminate, fill with brightness," Old English lyhtan, common Germanic (cf. Old Saxon liohtian, Old High German liuhtan, German leuchten, Gothic liuhtjan "to light"), from source of from light (n.). Related: Lighted; lighting.

Word Origin and History for lighter (3 of 7)

light

adj.2

"not dark," Old English leoht, common Germanic (cf. Old Saxon and Old High German lioht, Old Frisian liacht, German licht "bright," from the source of Old English leoht (see light (n.)). Meaning "pale-hued" is from 1540s.

Word Origin and History for lighter (4 of 7)

light

"brightness, radiant energy," Old English leht, earlier leoht "light, daylight; luminous, beautiful," from West Germanic *leukhtam (cf. Old Saxon lioht, Old Frisian liacht, Middle Dutch lucht, Dutch licht, Old High German lioht, German Licht, Gothic liuhaþ "light"), from PIE *leuk- "light, brightness" (cf. Sanskrit rocate "shines;" Armenian lois "light," lusin "moon;" Greek leukos "bright, shining, white;" Latin lucere "to shine," lux "light," lucidus "clear;" Old Church Slavonic luci "light;" Lithuanian laukas "pale;" Welsh llug "gleam, glimmer;" Old Irish loche "lightning," luchair "brightness;" Hittite lukezi "is bright").

The -gh- was an Anglo-French scribal attempt to render the Germanic hard -h- sound, which has since disappeared from this word. The figurative spiritual sense was in Old English; the sense of "mental illumination" is first recorded mid-15c. Meaning "something used for igniting" is from 1680s. Meaning "a consideration which puts something in a certain view (e.g. in light of) is from 1680s. Something that's a joy and a delight has been the light of (someone's) eyes since Old English:

Ðu eart dohtor min, minra eagna leoht [Juliana].

To see the light "come into the world" is from 1680s; later in a Christian sense.

Word Origin and History for lighter (5 of 7)

light

adj.1

"not heavy," from Old English leoht "not heavy, light in weight; easy, trifling; quick, agile," from Proto-Germanic *lingkhtaz (cf. Old Norse lettr, Swedish lätt, Old Frisian, Middle Dutch licht, German leicht, Gothic leihts), from PIE root *legwh- "not heavy, having little weight" (cf. Latin levis "light," Old Irish lu "small;" see lever).

The notion in make light of (1520s) is of "unimportance." Alternative spelling lite, the darling of advertisers, is first recorded 1962. The adverb is Old English leohte, from the adjective. Light-skirts "woman of easy virtue" is attested from 1590s. To make light of is from 1520s.

Word Origin and History for lighter (6 of 7)

light

v.1

"touch down," from Old English lihtan "to alight; alleviate, leave," from Proto-Germanic *linkhtijan, literally "to make light," from *lingkhtaz "not heavy" (see light (adj.1)). Apparently the ground sense is "to dismount a horse, etc., and thus relieve it of one's weight." To light out "leave hastily" is 1870, from a nautical meaning "move out, move heavy objects," of unknown origin but perhaps belonging to this word (cf. lighter (n.1)).

Medicine definitions for lighter

light

[ līt ]

n.

Electromagnetic radiation that has a wavelength in the range from about 4,000 (violet) to about 7,700 (red) angstroms and may be perceived by the normal unaided human eye.

Electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength.

Science definitions for lighter

light

[ līt ]

Electromagnetic radiation that can be perceived by the human eye. It is made up of electromagnetic waves with wavelengths between 4 X 10-7 and 7 X 10-7 meters. Light, and all other electromagnetic radiation, travels at a speed of about 299,728 km (185,831 mi) per second in a vacuum. See also photon.

Electromagnetic energy of a wavelength just outside the range the human eye can detect, such as infrared light and ultraviolet light. See Note at electromagnetic radiation.

Culture definitions for lighter

light

The type of electromagnetic wave that is visible to the human eye. Visible light runs along a spectrum from the short wavelengths of violet to the longer wavelengths of red. (See photon.)

Idioms and Phrases with lighter

light

In addition to the idioms beginning with light

light a fire under
light as a feather
light at the end of the tunnel
light dawned, the
lighten up
light heart
light into
lightning never strikes twice in the same place
light on
light out
light up

also see:

begin to see daylight (see the light of day)
bring to light
come to light
go light on
green light
heavy (light) heart
hide one's light
in a good (bad) light
in the cold light of day
in the light of
lace (light) into
leading light
make light of
many hands make light work
once over lightly
out cold (like a light)
see the light
shed light on
sweetness and light
travel light
trip the light fantastic

lighter

noun

RELATED CONTENT

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of lighter

Definition for lighter (2 of 4)

lighter

noun

verb (used with object)

Origin of lighter

Definition for lighter (3 of 4)

light

noun

adjective, light·er, light·est.

verb (used with object), light·ed or lit, light·ing.

verb (used without object), light·ed or lit, light·ing.

Origin of light

Definition for lighter (4 of 4)

light

adjective, light·er, light·est.

adverb, light·er, light·est.

noun

Origin of light

Examples from the Web for lighter

British Dictionary definitions for lighter (1 of 5)

lighter

noun

British Dictionary definitions for lighter (2 of 5)

lighter

noun

Word Origin for lighter

British Dictionary definitions for lighter (3 of 5)

Light

noun

British Dictionary definitions for lighter (4 of 5)

light

noun

adjective

verb lights, lighting, lighted or lit (lɪt)

Word Origin for light

British Dictionary definitions for lighter (5 of 5)

light

adjective

adverb

verb lights, lighting, lighted or lit (lɪt) (intr)

Word Origin for light

Word Origin and History for lighter (1 of 7)

lighter

Word Origin and History for lighter (1 of 7)

lighter

Word Origin and History for lighter (2 of 7)

light

Word Origin and History for lighter (3 of 7)

light

Word Origin and History for lighter (4 of 7)

light

Word Origin and History for lighter (5 of 7)

light

Word Origin and History for lighter (6 of 7)

light

Medicine definitions for lighter

light

n.

Science definitions for lighter

light

Culture definitions for lighter

light

Idioms and Phrases with lighter

light