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.
In 2001, the EPA announced its 10 micrograms per liter standard for arsenic. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 For those with cars, there are long lines to buy gas and purchases are capped at 25 liters, residents told CNN. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 15 June 2025 Water hardness levels in Missouri River, Kansas City The U.S. Geological Survey found that the Missouri River had water hardness levels ranging from 250 to 300 milligrams per liter, which is considered very hard. Zuri Primos, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2025 Producers also generate tank wines, sold in bulk for less than four U.S. dollars per liter. Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 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 25 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on liter

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