Showing results for "lighter"

• comparative of light.

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

See Examples For:

lighter

Because the spacecraft was lighter, it required less fuel for its mid-course correction.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 18, 2026

North-west Scotland will see some rain but these systems are not expected to push across the rest of the UK, so this would mean drier weather with lighter winds and higher daytime temperatures for most.

From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026

Walters’ supporters further argue that Oxford’s statements implicating Walters—as well as Travis’ testimony against him—were tainted, the result of the men being coerced by police and angling for lighter sentences.

From Slate ● Sep. 17, 2026

Chapter 13 is a bit lighter, involving only a repayment plan.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 16, 2026

One of the ghosts tried reaching slowly for the lighter, attracted and repelled at once, but he kept it out of their grasp.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Related Words

• barge
• boat
• life raft
• lifeboat