What does liquid mean?
A liquid is a substance that flows and assumes the shape of the container holding it, occupying a volume but not maintaining a fixed shape of its own. The word is used in science for matter that is neither solid nor gas, in cooking for substances whose consistency is fluid, and in finance for assets that can be converted into cash with relative ease. “Liquid” can also refer informally to a drink, while the rarer verb means to make something fluid. Because its everyday meaning is so strongly associated with physical flow, the term also conveys ease of movement, flexibility, or readiness for use. The expression “liquid assets,” for example, denotes money or investments that can readily be realized rather than property tied up in land, buildings, or other illiquid holdings. The adjective “liquidly” describes movement performed smoothly and without hesitation. Together, these uses make “liquid” a precise scientific term and a flexible descriptive word extending from physical states to money, movement, and figurative ease of action.
A substance that is neither solid nor gas, that flows, and that takes the shape of its container.
"Water is the most familiar liquid on Earth."
In informal contexts, the noun can also mean a drink.
Existing in a fluid state, or easily converted into money.
"The company sold its most liquid assets to cover short-term debts."
The financial sense is normally used with words such as “assets,” “funds,” “securities,” and “market.”
To make a substance liquid or to convert it into a fluid state.
"Heat is required to liquid the wax."
This verb is relatively uncommon in modern general use and is more likely to appear in technical or formal writing.
The plural is used when referring to multiple substances in a fluid state or to different kinds of drink.
"The experiment compared the behaviour of several liquids under changing pressure."
The word “liquid” comes from a Latin root associated with flowing, so its name preserves the simple observation that a liquid is matter that moves.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does liquid come from?
The English word entered through Middle English from Old French liquide, ultimately from Latin liquidus, meaning “fluid” or “liquid.” Latin liquidus is associated with liquere, “to flow” or “to be fluid.” Related forms include liquefy, from Latin liquefacere, and liquidate, from Medieval Latin liquidare, originally associated with turning property into money.
Related word forms
How liquid is actually used
In general use, the adjective is especially common in scientific, culinary, and commercial contexts. “Liquid” can be informal when referring to a drink, as in “liquid refreshment,” while the financial sense usually appears in expressions such as “liquid assets” or “liquid funds.” The verb is uncommon outside formal or technical writing.
Easily confused with liquid
A liquid is a substance that flows, while liquidity is the quality of being easily converted into cash or the availability of cash within a business or market.
Liquid is an adjective or noun describing a substance in a flowing state, while liquefy is a verb meaning to change a solid or gas into a liquid.