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.
Mix four tablespoons of the alcohol and four drops of the soap into the one-liter spray bottle. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 30 June 2026 When at work, the robot’s drilling generates less than five newtons of force, which feels about as heavy as a half-liter bottle of water. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 June 2026 The mid-size frame and 'fuel' tank are newly designed for this model; the latter is actually a two-liter lockable storage box that can hold your gloves and charging cable. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 5 July 2026 The vacuum and mop combo is a hands-free robot that auto-empties dirt into a 3-liter bag, self-washes the mop rollers, and auto-refills the water chamber for the next cleaning session. — Carlos Mejia, PC Magazine, 26 June 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

Rhymes for liter

See All Rhymes for liter

Browse Nearby Words

-lite
liter
literacy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Liter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liter. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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
ˈlēt-ər How to pronounce liter (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on liter

Nglish: Translation of liter for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about liter

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