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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lighter

Their new "two component self interacting dark matter" model includes at least two kinds of dark matter particles, one heavier and one lighter.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 14, 2026

That risk is expected to ease a touch as winds become lighter and the chance of showers increases slightly.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

Here, Wain manages to squeeze in a couple of rising talents: Gutierrez-Riley’s steady, supportive Otto and Wang’s scene-stealing motormouth, a lighter take on the anxious braggart he played in last fall’s “The Long Walk.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

It wasn’t the heat; someone from the Department of Energy booth who had been there every day confirmed it was only a little lighter, attendance-wise, than the average.

From Slate ● Jul. 1, 2026

He felt immediately lighter, like he wasn’t as alone as he thought.

From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste

Related Words

• barge
• boat
• life raft
• lifeboat