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.
So far, the FDA has issued these recommendations: Aluminum: 0.2 milligrams per liter of bottled water. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025 Distilled spirits were also up there at nearly 264 million liters. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Mar. 2025 The cubes come in three sizes—two liters, three liters, and ten liters—and each has mesh sides for breathability and a way to see what’s inside. Ryan Krogh, Outside Online, 5 Mar. 2025 The average electric kettle holds up to 1.7 liters, or a little over 7 cups. Michelle Love, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 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 23 Mar. 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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