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.
New research estimates that mesh equaling 17,000 square meters (4.2 acres) could generate 300,000 liters (79,252 gallons) of water per week – equivalent to the amount currently trucked into the urban slum areas of the Atacama Desert, where the study took place. Troy Aidan Sambajon, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Apr. 2025 The potential problems of too much fluoride The CDC currently recommends 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water. Kasturi Pananjady, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 This includes the avoidance of: Dehydration: Drink at least 2.5 liters (10 cups) of fluid per day to prevent kidney stone formation.323 High-oxalate foods: Limit your intake of foods like spinach, chard, rhubarb, beets, bran, chocolate, and nuts. Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025 The standard engine is a 2.3 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder that produces 300 horsepower. Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 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 Apr. 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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