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 order to catch liars, the ancient Chinese would sometimes give the accused a mouthful of uncooked rice during interrogation—and then ask the person to open wide. Susan Saulny, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024 This is the most powerful weapon against this regime of liars, thieves, and hypocrites. Alexei Navalny, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024 Past court motions by lawyers for the crown prince called al-Jabri a liar wanted in Saudi Arabia to face corruption allegations and said there was no evidence of a Saudi plot to kill him. Greg McKenna, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2024 She’s been strong, not a liar, and also gets along with everyone. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for liar 

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 4 Nov. 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
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