liar

noun

li·​ar ˈlī(-ə)r How to pronounce liar (audio)
: a person who tells lies
has a reputation as a liar

Examples of liar in a Sentence

She called him a dirty liar. she knew he was a liar when he started claiming that he was an astronaut
Recent Examples on the Web In the recent trial, the prosecution characterized Whitehead as a habitual liar, emphasizing his deceit regarding access, influence, and relationships. Melissa Noel, Essence, 15 Mar. 2024 When the camera cut to Greene booing Biden and calling him a liar, Moore looked unimpressed. Journal Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2024 In 2019, Carroll filed a defamation lawsuit against Trump in New York for making disparaging comments and branding her a liar after the publication of her memoir. Ben Protess, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Cliff Gardner: The state's position was that Andy was a liar. Natalie Morales, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2024 This officer was either grossly neglectful, incompetent or a liar. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2024 The indictment unsealed in California federal court portrays Mr. Smirnov as a serial liar whose motivation for targeting the Bidens appeared to have been rooted in the same political animus that drove Republicans to promote his claims. Glenn Thrush, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2024 In the government’s court papers this week, Smirnov emerges as an almost comically obvious liar, telling multiple versions of his Biden bribery story, while bragging about contacts with various foreign intelligence services. Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2024 The liar will cover part of his or her face with his hands, especially the mouth. Erin Strecker, EW.com, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'liar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English lēogere, from lēogan to lie — more at lie

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of liar was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near liar

Cite this Entry

“Liar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liar. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

liar

noun
li·​ar ˈlī(-ə)r How to pronounce liar (audio)
: a person who tells lies

More from Merriam-Webster on liar

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!