liter

noun

li·​ter ˈlē-tər How to pronounce liter (audio)
variants or
: a metric unit of capacity equal to one cubic decimeter see Metric System Table

Examples of liter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other Chinese manufacturers like CFMoto and QJMotor seem to have not just caught up, but also surpassed Cyclone’s early idea of building liter bikes. New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2025 Aim for two to three liters of water daily and include foods with sodium, such as broth, avocado, and nuts and seeds. Heidi Cope, Health, 25 Dec. 2025 Tomtoc Travel Backpack This backpack has a carrying capacity of 40 liters, which many reviewers claim is enough for a week of travel. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2025 The plant plans to supply 50 million liters of petrol daily to Nigerian consumers between now and February, from a previous daily rate of 45 million liters. Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 15 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liter

Word History

Etymology

French litre, from Medieval Latin litra, a measure, from Greek, a weight

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of liter was in 1797

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Liter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liter. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

liter

noun
li·​ter
variants or litre
ˈlēt-ər
: a metric unit of capacity equal to one cubic decimeter see metric system

Medical Definition

liter

noun
li·​ter
variants or chiefly British litre
: a metric unit of capacity equal to the volume of one kilogram of water at 4°C (39°F) and at standard atmospheric pressure of 760 millimeters of mercury

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