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.
The newest limited edition popcorn bucket holds a massive 9 liters, or 361 oz., of popcorn and is shaped like the movie's villan—Galactus, Marvel’s devourer of worlds. Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine says women generally need about 2.7 liters (11.4 cups) of water a day, and men need 3.7 liters, or 15.6 cups. Erica Sweeney, Time, 17 July 2025 One study found that drinking 2 liters (about 8 cups) of water a day for 30 days significantly improved skin hydration.9 Use emollient creams and moisturizers: Emollients are substances that help retain skin moisture to smooth and soften the skin. Health, 14 July 2025 Utility services in California, New Mexico, Michigan and Texas had some of the highest levels of arsenic in drinking water that were significantly above the EPA's MCL of 10 micrograms per liter. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 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 30 Jul. 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

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