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; light ³, -er ¹

Example Sentences

Mrs. Maroney rose now and then, looking tense and tight—though a little lighter on her feet, I observed.

From Literature

The company said those satellites are lighter and more reliable and provide better service than the previous generation.

From MarketWatch

This disparity in energy means more force on the colliding bodies and far greater risk of injury to the lighter one.

From The Wall Street Journal

When bodies collide, the force is far greater on the lighter one.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s a small, quiet practice, but it leaves me feeling resourceful — and a little lighter — long after the week ends.

From Salon

Related Words

• barge
• boat
• life raft
• lifeboat