lighter
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for lighter, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small handheld device that produces a flame, used to light cigarettes, candles, and so on.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use lighter
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
The device sense comes from light ("to ignite") + -er; the boat sense comes from a separate root meaning "to unload" or lighten a ship's cargo.
Full origin of lighter →Frequently asked questions
What does “lighter” mean?
The word “lighter” means a small handheld device that produces a flame, used to light cigarettes, candles, and so on. In plain terms, most often a small flame-producing device for lighting cigarettes — but also, less commonly, a cargo barge.
How do you pronounce “lighter”?
“Lighter” is pronounced LEYE-tuh (/ˈlaɪtɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “lighter” in a sentence?
Here is “lighter” used in a sentence: “He flicked the lighter but it wouldn't catch.”
What part of speech is “lighter”?
Depending on how it is used, “lighter” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “lighter” a common word?
“Lighter” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “lighter” have?
“Lighter” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small handheld device that produces a flame, used to light cigarettes, candles, and so on.
Is lighter the comparative of light or a separate word?
Both exist. Lighter is the regular comparative of the adjective light, as in 'this bag is lighter', and it is also an unrelated noun for a small handheld device that produces a flame, as well as for a flat-bottomed cargo barge. Context tells you which is meant.
What is a lighter in shipping?
In shipping, a lighter is a flat-bottomed barge used to move cargo over short distances, often between a larger ship and the shore. Transferring cargo this way is called lightering, and as a verb, to lighter means to move cargo by barge.
What is the difference between a lighter and a match?
Both are used to produce a flame, but a lighter is a reusable handheld device, while a match is a single-use stick that ignites by friction. Lighters are commonly used for cigarettes, candles, and stoves, and they can be lit repeatedly until the fuel runs out.