ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lighter

n. · adj. · v.
US //ˈɫaɪtɝ// UK //lˈaɪtɐ// lighter
  1. 1 fire-starting tool (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a small, handheld device that produces a flame to light things like candles or cigarettes.

    a portable device used to create a flame for ignition purposes, typically powered by butane or naphtha.

    Example

    He reached into his pocket for a lighter to light the birthday candles.

    Example

    The hiker ensured his waterproof lighter was functional before heading into the damp woods, knowing that starting a fire would be critical for warmth.
    • igniter
  2. 2 less heavy (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    having less weight than something else.

    the comparative form of 'light', indicating a lower mass or weight relative to another object.

    Example

    This new laptop is much lighter than my old one, so it is easier to carry.

    Example

    Modern aerospace components are significantly lighter than their predecessors due to the integration of carbon-fibre composites and advanced alloys.
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  1. 3 more bright or pale (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    having more light or a paler colour than something else.

    the comparative form of 'light', indicating a higher degree of luminosity or a less saturated, paler hue.

    Example

    The room looks much lighter now that we have painted the walls white.

    Example

    The artist chose a lighter shade of blue for the sky to contrast with the deep, dark tones of the stormy sea below.
  2. 4 cargo boat (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical

    a flat-bottomed boat used to move heavy goods over short distances, often to or from larger ships.

    a large, usually flat-bottomed barge used in unloading or loading ships that cannot reach a wharf.

    Example

    The workers used a lighter to move the crates from the big ship to the dock.

    Example

    Because the harbour was too shallow for the freighter, a series of lighters was employed to ferry the grain to the shore facilities.
  3. 5 to transport by barge (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical

    to move goods using a flat-bottomed boat.

    to convey cargo or passengers by means of a lighter; often used in the context of reducing a ship's draft.

    Example

    They had to lighter the fuel to another vessel before the ship could enter the shallow port.

    Example

    The salvage team decided to lighter the remaining oil from the grounded tanker to prevent an environmental disaster and ease the refloating process.
Etymology 1

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”).

Etymology 2

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”).

Etymology 3

From light (“pale”) + -er (“comparative”).

Etymology 4

From light (“not heavy, weak”) + -er (“comparative”).

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