lighter

¹

[ lahy-ter ]

noun

1. a person or thing that lights or ignites.
2. a mechanical device used in lighting cigarettes, cigars, or pipes for smoking.

lighter

²

[ lahy-ter ]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to convey in or as if in a lighter.

lighter

¹

/ ˈlaɪtə /

noun

1. a flat-bottomed barge used for transporting cargo, esp in loading or unloading a ship

lighter

²

/ 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

Word History and Origins

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lighter¹

C15: probably from Middle Dutch; compare C16 Dutch lichter

Example Sentences

Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX has received billions of dollars in federal contracts, and could be line for more, while his five other businesses could gain from a lighter regulatory touch.

From Los Angeles Times

She said her mother was smoking cannabis, not feeding her, leaving her alone with another child and burning her with a lighter.

From BBC

He says that as cells get lighter and more powerful, the company can swap them out for newer models to improve performance.

From BBC

Trump’s 2016 victory was the lighter fluid that accelerated a news bonfire, driving ratings and subscription revenue.

From Los Angeles Times

Some diplomats have pointed to more pragmatic suggestions about lighter tariffs for US allies.

From BBC

Related Words

• barge
• boat
• life raft
• lifeboat