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

Kone is installing an elevator system for that tower that relies on carbon-fiber composite technology far lighter than steel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 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

Buttermilk contributes tang and lift, sharpening the sweetness and helping the cake rise with a lighter hand.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

It acknowledged the free version of its AI detector "may provide less precise results" due to "high demand and the use of a lighter model designed for quick access."

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

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

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Related Words

• barge
• boat
• life raft
• lifeboat