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
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.
During questioning at the Austin Police Department, Mejia marred her credibility and inadvertently presented herself as a compulsive liar by initially telling police different stories about how Casiano was burned. Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 When Nguyen refused the search and denied the allegation, one deputy allegedly called him a liar and threatened to arrest him. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025 Our government is led by a serial liar who has shown how acts of violence in support of him will be forgiven and exonerated. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2025 Sanders accused Brown of using his position for personal gain, while Brown described Sanders as a liar who makes extreme claims without the evidence to back them up. Miami Herald, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for liar

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Liar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liar. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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!