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

Two-time world champion Tyson – who last competed professionally in 2005 - had just weighed in at 16st 4lb with Paul a pound lighter.

From BBC

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

Shares in some of America's biggest banks have seen double digit gains since the day before the election as investors bet financial firms will be among the most immediate beneficiaries of Trump's promises for lighter regulation.

From BBC

The researchers said: "Our results reveal the importance of a dark silhouette against a lighter background in predatory behaviour in great white sharks and that altering the silhouette may form the basis of new non-invasive shark deterrent technology to protect human life."

From BBC

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

From BBC

Related Words

• barge
• boat
• life raft
• lifeboat