liquid

1 of 2

adjective

liq·​uid ˈli-kwəd 

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

liquidity

li-ˈkwi-də-tē 

noun

liquidly

ˈli-kwəd-lē 

adverb

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

Synonyms of liquid

Adjective

• flowing
• fluid
• thin

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.

the liquid notes of a bird

the liquid grace of the dancer's movements

Noun

Water and milk are liquids.

a bottle of green liquid

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But instead of paving the way for some good ol’ fashioned infidelity, the liquid courage causes the women to turn on each other, with the evening devolving into inebriated insults and recriminations. —Brent Lang, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026

Two tankers carrying liquid petroleum gas (LPG) that were heading out of the Persian Gulf have abruptly turned round amidst Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to ship tracking data. —Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026

Noun

This starchy liquid enhances both the flavor and texture of your sauce. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 16 Apr. 2026

Guzman reportedly doused her father in a flammable liquid and cut him with a knife before fleeing the home. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing liquid

• dishwashing liquid
• gas-liquid chromatography
• liquid crystal
• liquid crystal display
• liquid measure
• liquid refreshment
• washing-up liquid

Rhymes for liquid

• illiquid

Kids Definition

liquid

1 of 2 adjective

liq·​uid ˈlik-wəd 

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

liquidity

lik-ˈwid-ət-ē 

noun

liquidly

ˈlik-wəd-lē 

adverb

liquid

2 of 2 noun

1

: a liquid consonant

2

: a liquid substance

Medical Definition

liquid

1 of 2 adjective

liq·​uid ˈlik-wəd 

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