lighter

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a flat-bottomed boat for carrying heavy loads, especially on canals

   We navigated the lighter through the Norfolk broads.

2. 2
   noun

   A person who lights things.

   a lighter of lamps

3. 3
   noun

   A device used to light things, especially a reusable handheld device for creating fire to light cigarettes.

   Cigarette in mouth, he clutched his pockets in search of a lighter.

4. 4
   noun

   A flat-bottomed boat for carrying heavy loads across short distances (especially for canals or for loading or unloading larger boats).

   It is, of course, possible to work only to or from lighters in this way, and such working is not very general in this country, although a certain amount of such overside work is carried on in enclosed docks.

5. 5
   verb

   To transfer (cargo or passengers) to or from a ship by means of a lighter or other small vessel.

   1900. Report of the Commission Appointed by the President to Investigate the Conduct of the War Department in the War with Spain. Vol. 7, pg. 3227. Troops and stores were lightered to the wharves inside the harbor by steamers Orizaba and Berkshire.

6. 6
   adj

   comparative form of light: more light

   I prefer a lighter shade of pink.

7. 7
   noun

   a device for lighting or igniting fuel or charges or fires

8. 8
   noun

   a substance used to ignite or kindle a fire

Etymology

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”).