liter

noun

li·​ter ˈlē-tər 

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

Those who don’t need a gear garage can opt for a 90-liter fridge box, according to the website. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2025

The 40-liter backpack has the same capacity as most carry-on suitcases and comes with a slew of pockets and slots to keep all your belongings secure and organized. —Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025

At a home goods store in a Copenhagen suburb, sales associate Peter Sandell says 20 liter water containers are a hot item. —Teri Schultz, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025

This gear could include two nesting frying pans up to 12 inches (305 mm) in diameter; two nesting pots up to 5 liters; four nesting plates; four nesting cups; four nesting bowls; four flatware sets; four spice jars; and miscellaneous cooking tools. —New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French litre, from Medieval Latin litra, a measure, from Greek, a weight

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for liter

• beater
• cheater
• dieter
• eater
• heater
• litre
• meter
• metre
• neater
• praetor
• seater
• skeeter

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 

: 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