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

"The lighter a black hole is, the hotter it should be and the more particles it will emit," says Andrea Thamm, co-author of the new research and assistant professor of physics at UMass Amherst.

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2026

Easter baskets might be lighter on chocolate bunnies and eggs this year as consumers are balking at what they’re being asked to pay for the candy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

It’s lighter and more brothy, but still hits that same balance: savory, bright and a little rich.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

“Tom Homan being in charge and publicly taking a much lighter touch and appearing reasonable to the average voter is why you’re seeing this turnaround,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

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

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day

Related Words

• barge
• boat
• life raft
• lifeboat