What does lighter mean?
A lighter is a small portable device that makes a flame, most often for lighting a cigarette, candle, or similar object. In this common noun sense, the word is familiar and practical, while related uses—such as a person or device that ignites something—can be more technical. Lighter also functions as the comparative adjective of light. It can describe something that weighs less, as in a lighter suitcase, or something that provides more illumination, as in a lighter shade. The same pronunciation applies to both forms, although meaning is usually clear from context. The word is particularly associated with small handheld flame devices and appears frequently in expressions such as cigarette lighter and portable lighter. Its simple, compact design has made it a familiar everyday object, while the adjective is part of the ordinary vocabulary for comparing weight, brightness, color, and other qualities associated with light.
A small portable device that produces a flame for lighting cigarettes, candles, or other objects.
"He kept a lighter in his pocket for the candles."
The term is most commonly used for a cigarette lighter, but it can refer more broadly to a portable flame-producing device.
A person or device that ignites fires, charges, or other materials.
"The miner carried a safety lighter into the tunnel."
This sense is more specialized and often occurs in technical or historical contexts.
Less heavy or less weighty than something else.
"We chose the lighter suitcase for the short trip."
This is the comparative form of light in the sense of weight.
Having more light or brightness; lighter in color or illumination.
"The lighter curtains softened the afternoon sunlight."
This is the comparative form of light in senses relating to illumination, brightness, or color.
The plural is used for multiple portable flame devices or multiple devices or people that ignite something.
"The shop sells matches, lighters, and small candles."
A lighter turns a tiny spark into a practical source of light, making it one of the simplest tools for carrying illumination anywhere.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lighter come from?
The noun lighter derives from the verb light, meaning to set on fire or illuminate, together with the suffix -er, which can indicate an agent or device. The verb light continues the Old English word lēoht, related to the Germanic family of words meaning light or brightness. The adjective lighter is a regular comparative of light and is not a separate formation.
Related word forms
How lighter is actually used
The noun is common in everyday usage for a cigarette lighter and can also refer more formally to any portable flame-producing device. As an adjective, it is used with light in both the weight sense and, less often, the illumination sense.
Easily confused with lighter
A lighter is a device that produces a flame, whereas light is the illumination or brightness itself.