ライター

らいたー
noun
lighter; writer
1. lighter
A device for producing a flame.
I light a fire with a lighter.
Do you have a lighter?
Disposable lighters are convenient.
2. writer
A person who writes professionally.
She is a freelance writer.
I write articles for a magazine as a writer.
We commissioned a manuscript from a famous writer.

ライター (from English 'lighter' or 'writer') has two distinct meanings.

MEANING 1 - LIGHTER (flame device):

MEANING 2 - WRITER (profession):

  • フリーライター: freelance writer
  • コピーライター: copywriter
  • シナリオライター: screenplay writer
  • ゴーストライター: ghostwriter

CONTEXT:
The meaning is usually clear from context. When talking about fire/smoking, it's a lighter. In work/media contexts, it's a writer.