lighter

¹

[lahy-ter]

noun

1. a person or thing that lights or ignites.

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

lighter

²

[lahy-ter]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to convey in or as if in a lighter.

lighter

¹

/ 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

lighter

²

/ ˈlaɪtə /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lighter¹

C15: probably from Middle Dutch; compare C16 Dutch lichter

Example Sentences

“Allegations of suspicious trading patterns highlight the risks of investing in instruments where there’s no intrinsic value and a lighter regulatory touch,” he added.

Read more on Barron's

He said that the lighter materials, combined with more effective motors to drive the rotors, mean it's much more effective than a century ago.

Read more on BBC

As it cooled, denser minerals sank to create the mantle, while lighter ones floated upward to form the crust.

Read more on Science Daily

A lighter touch might lead to more progress.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Shares in U.K. lenders exposed to a probe into commissions on car loans rose after the country’s financial regulator said the scope and cost of a redress plan is set to be lighter than feared.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• barge 
• boat 
• life raft 
• lifeboat