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.
Nearly 86,800 families have now received some form of government assistance, while authorities said more than 9,585 metric tons of food and 669,000 liters of water have been distributed throughout the disaster zone. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 July 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 It is powered by an electric motor and a 4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine, delivering 812 horsepower and roughly 738 foot-pounds of torque, Lamborghini said. Michael Wayland, CNBC, 1 July 2026 With a spacious 45-liter capacity and thoughtful details like hideaway shoulder straps, interior compression straps, and a dedicated laptop compartment, it's got all the bells and whistles and can still fit in the overhead. Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 30 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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