lighter

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A small device that produces a flame, used for lighting cigarettes or candles.

   He searched his pockets for a lighter.

2. 2
   adj

   Comparative form of light; not as heavy, bright, or dark.

   I prefer a lighter shade of pink.

3. 3
   noun

   A flat-bottomed boat used to carry heavy loads, especially on canals or to and from larger ships.

   The cargo was moved to shore on a lighter.

From Middle English lightere, lyghtere, equivalent to light (“to unload, lighten”) + -er. Compare West Frisian lichter (“lighter ship”), Dutch lichter (“lighter ship”), Middle Low German lichter, lüchter, lüchtære (“a small ship that lightens a load, lighter ship”).

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