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

Most American oil imports come from Canada and feed refineries that can’t efficiently process lighter shale blends.

From The Wall Street Journal

Buttermilk contributes tang and lift, sharpening the sweetness and helping the cake rise with a lighter hand.

From Salon

Normally, I’d be worried that the airline was trying to message me, that I’d miss the flight, but with every step forward, I feel lighter on my feet.

From Literature

I feel lighter now, like a weight I’ve been carrying around forever is somehow gone, and I know it’s because finally things are going right for me.

From Literature

Related Words

• barge
• boat
• life raft
• lifeboat