liter

noun

li·​ter ˈlē-tər How to pronounce liter (audio)
variants or litre
: 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.
This lightweight synthetic jacket packs down to the size of a liter water bottle and weighs about ten ounces—even with a storm-bunker of a collar and hood (cut snug to fit beneath a helmet). Kelly Bastone, Outside, 10 Feb. 2026 There are now 268 factories certified by an international sustainability rating system, and one Bangladeshi group estimates that the cleanup saves 35 billion liters (9 billion gallons) of fresh water annually. Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026 The feature has a 1,727-liter capacity and can hold everything from mountain bikes to surfboards, and includes 12- and 120-volt outlets for keeping all your toys charged. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 Feb. 2026 Everywhere Belt Bag Nano Glitter A mini version of the one-liter Everywhere Belt Bag, the Nano Glitter Bag is just big enough to hold your small everyday items, like a pair of earbuds, your favorite lip oil, or cash and coins. Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026 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 18 Feb. 2026.

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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