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liter

noun

li·​ter ˈlē-tər How to pronounce liter (audio)
variants or
: 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.
Addresses the global water crisis (affecting 2B people) by tapping the atmosphere’s 13,000 trillion liters of water. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026 Use the 60-liter bags to neatly stow anything from bedding and off-season clothes to toys and bath linens. Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026 The 1-liter purse’s faux fur exterior feels cozy against the skin and is ideal for winter styling, according to Lululemon shoppers who give it a near-perfect rating. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026 Or that a 50 liter pack could only hold closer to 40 liters of gear? Adam Trenkamp, Outside, 11 Jan. 2026 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 20 Jan. 2026.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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