lighter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “lighter” mean?
A small device used to produce a flame, typically for lighting cigarettes, candles, or fires.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small device used to produce a flame, typically for lighting cigarettes, candles, or fires.
Anything that makes something less heavy in weight, intensity, or seriousness; or a barge for transporting goods in harbours.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a fire-producing device, usage is identical. 'Lighter' as a barge is more common in UK maritime contexts. The comparative form 'lighter' follows standard regional spelling conventions (e.g., 'lighter' vs 'lighter' in '-er' comparatives).
Connotations
Neutral for the device. The barge sense is technical/nautical.
Frequency
The fire-lighting device sense is high frequency in both. The barge sense is low frequency and specialised.
Grammar
How to Use “lighter” in a Sentence
V + lighter (He used/flicked a lighter.)ADJ + lighter (a disposable/empty lighter)lighter + N (lighter fluid/fuel)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lighter” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- This suitcase is much lighter than mine.
- The room felt lighter after we painted it.
American English
- Her workload is lighter this semester.
- Try a lighter shade of blue for the walls.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in retail contexts (e.g., 'lighter sales').
Academic
Rare, except in historical/design studies (e.g., 'the evolution of the cigarette lighter').
Everyday
Very common, referring to the portable fire-making device.
Technical
In nautical contexts: a flat-bottomed barge for cargo.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lighter”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lighter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lighter”
- Using 'ligher' (missing 't'). Confusing 'lighter' (device) with 'light' (noun/verb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While commonly associated with cigarettes, it is used for candles, gas stoves, campfires, and any small flame.
A lighter is a reusable device producing a controlled flame from fuel (e.g., butane). A match is a small wooden or cardboard stick coated with a chemical that ignites by friction.
Rarely in modern English. The verb 'to light' means to ignite. 'Lighter' as a verb historically meant to transport by a lighter (barge).
It is also 'lighter'. Context clarifies the meaning (e.g., 'a lighter load' vs. 'a cigarette lighter').
A small device used to produce a flame, typically for lighting cigarettes, candles, or fires.
Lighter is usually neutral in register.
Lighter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪ.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
LIGHT + ER: It makes LIGHT (a flame) and is often smallER than a matchbox.
Conceptual Metaphor
FIRE IS A TOOL / CONVENIENCE IS PORTABILITY
Practice
Quiz
In a nautical context, what is a 'lighter'?