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

“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

And, because the system would have double the voltage—800V—the wiring loom can use thinner, lighter wire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

Then he took the lighter out of his other pocket and tried to push hard on the little ridged wheel that would make the flame appear.

From "All About Sam" by Lois Lowry

Related Words

• barge
• boat
• life raft
• lifeboat