lighter
1 Americannoun
verb (used with object)
noun
-
a small portable device for providing a naked flame or red-hot filament to light cigarettes, etc
-
a person or thing that ignites something
noun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In 67 lighter tests, Haney said, material sometimes caught fire, but the flames went out every time.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2026
The collaboration investigated particles containing a charm quark and a lighter quark, comparing how strongly their production was suppressed in oxygen and neon collisions.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 3, 2026
The track sets the stage for a quieter and weirder collection than we’ve heard from this outfit—far lighter on riffs, not particularly melodic, but oozing atmosphere.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 3, 2026
Oracle’s beleaguered stock finished the week higher after executives indicated a lighter borrowing load for AI going forward.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 31, 2026
But as the delivery truck continued, the traffic became lighter, the buildings became smaller, and the landscape became greener.
From "The Wild Robot Escapes" by Peter Brown
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
