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

Novel materials include new metal alloys as well carbon-based materials that can be stronger and lighter than traditional materials such as steel.

From The Wall Street Journal

Judges can, in rare cases, apply "discretionary mitigation" to impose a lighter sentence.

From Barron's

And yet, the film is lighter on its feet than her later reputation might suggest.

From BBC

The third gen is about 170 pounds lighter than before, by way of more high-strength steel and lightweight aluminum.

From The Wall Street Journal

Its sales outlook for the year came in lighter than expected, though, as it plans to put more money in DraftKings Predictions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• barge
• boat
• life raft
• lifeboat