1
: flowing freely like water
liquid detergent
2
: having the properties of a liquid : being neither solid nor gaseous
3
a
: shining and clear
large liquid eyes
b
: being musical and free of harshness in sound
the liquid song of the robin
c
: smooth and unconstrained in movement
the liquid grace of a ballerina
d
: articulated without friction and capable of being prolonged like a vowel
a liquid consonant
4
a
: consisting of or capable of ready conversion into cash
liquid assets
b
: capable of covering current liabilities (see liability sense 2) quickly with current assets
liquidness noun

liquid

2 of 2

noun

1
: a liquid consonant
2
: a fluid (such as water) that has no independent shape but has a definite volume and does not expand indefinitely and that is only slightly compressible

Examples of liquid in a Sentence

Adjective Water and milk are liquid substances. The medicine is available in liquid form. She had large liquid eyes.
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.
Adjective
The man told police he was approached by a man who lit him on fire after first throwing a liquid substance on him, which police believe was likely flammable. Stepheny Price, Fox News, 17 Mar. 2025 With a blend of liquid exfoliants, this primer helps control excess oil in your T zone (which, when left unchecked, amplifies the appearance of pores). Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
Using harsh cleaners and abrasive materials, as well as leaving excess liquid on the countertop surface can cause a number of issues such as wearing down sealants, staining, discoloration, and dull spots. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2025 And after 46 years, there was only enough liquid left for a run of 300 bottles—clearly, the angels were very thirsty for their share—which ultimately bottled at cask strength of 46.3 percent ABV. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liquid

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

Middle English, from Middle French liquide, from Latin liquidus, from liquēre to be fluid; akin to Latin lixa water, lye, and perhaps to Old Irish fliuch damp

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of liquid was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Liquid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liquid. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

liquid

1 of 2 adjective
1
: flowing freely like water
2
: neither solid nor gaseous
liquid mercury
3
: resembling liquid in clearness or smoothness
large liquid eyes
liquid notes of a bird
4
: capable of being pronounced without friction and longer than usual like a vowel
the liquid consonant \l\
5
: made up of or easily changed into cash
liquid assets

liquid

2 of 2 noun
1
: a liquid consonant
2
: a liquid substance

Medical Definition

liquid

1 of 2 adjective
1
: flowing freely like water
2
: having the properties of a liquid : being neither solid nor gaseous

liquid

2 of 2 noun
: a fluid (as water) that has no independent shape but has a definite volume and does not expand indefinitely and that is only slightly compressible

Legal Definition

liquid

adjective
liq·​uid
1
a
: consisting of cash or capable of ready conversion into cash
liquid assets
b
: capable of covering current liabilities out of current assets especially in a rapid manner
a liquid insurer
2
: of or relating to a security or commodity with enough shares or units outstanding to hinder significant price variation from large transactions

More from Merriam-Webster on liquid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!