lighter
n. countablen. a small tool that you carry in your pocket to make a flame. You use it to start a fire or light a cigarette.
n. a portable device used to create a flame for ignition purposes, typically powered by butane or naphtha.
He reached into his pocket for a lighter to start the campfire.
The hiker checked his gear to ensure his lighter was dry before heading into the woods for the night.
Modern lighters often employ a piezoelectric ignition system, which generates an electric spark to ignite the fuel without the need for a traditional flint wheel.
From light (“to ignite”) + -er. Cognate with Middle Dutch lichtere, lichter (“one who spreads light, illuminator”), Dutch lichter, luchter (“candle-holder, chandelier”). Compare also Middle English lightnere, liȝtnere (“one who enlightens or illuminates”).
From Middle English lightere, lyghtere, equivalent to light (“to unload, lighten”) + -er. Compare West Frisian lichter (“lighter ship”), Dutch lichter (“lighter ship”), Middle Low German lichter, lüchter, lüchtære (“a small ship that lightens a load, lighter ship”).
From light (“pale”) + -er (“comparative”).
From light (“not heavy, weak”) + -er (“comparative”).
The noun is countable and typically refers to the handheld device rather than the person who lights things.