How to pronounce lighter
Say it like LY-ter. Lighter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce lighter. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LY
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lighter pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of lighter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: LY-tuh.
What does lighter mean?
- a substance used to ignite or kindle a fire
- a device for lighting or igniting fuel or charges or fires“do you have a light?”
- a flatbottom boat for carrying heavy loads (especially on canals)
- transport in a flatbottom boat
Where does lighter come from?
From light (“to ignite”) + -er.
Words that rhyme with lighter
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of lighter.
Questions about saying lighter
How do you pronounce lighter?
Say LY-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈlaɪtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈlaɪtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lighter?
Lighter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LY). Broken into parts: LY · ter.
Is lighter pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈlaɪtə/ (LY-tuh).