DictionaryliquidConsonant type
noun

liquid

A consonant such as l or r.

The first sound in light is a liquid called l.

Etymology

Ancient grammatical terminology used a word meaning fluid for certain consonants. The English term retains that metaphor for sounds such as l and r.

More examples

  • English has two liquids, l and r.
  • The word play begins with a stop followed by a liquid.
  • A liquid follows the initial consonant in both blue and green.

Forms

liquid · liquids