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

A smaller, simpler engine could also allow chassis to be slightly narrower and lighter, insiders say.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

It emerged O'Hara dropped a yellow lighter at the scene.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Such charges are often treated as misdemeanors rather than felonies, meaning lighter sentences if convicted.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

The natural leavening gives them a lighter, crispier crust and an airy, mildly tangy crumb.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

They were much lighter than she assumed they’d be.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

Related Words

• barge
• boat
• life raft
• lifeboat