Liberal describes someone who supports individual freedoms, is open to new ideas and social change, and believes government should help solve social problems. A liberal approach to solving issues often emphasizes fairness, equality, and protecting people's rights.

In American politics, liberals typically support policies like environmental protection, public education funding, and healthcare programs. They generally believe government can be a positive force for helping people and addressing inequality. The opposite political view is called conservative, which tends to favor tradition, limited government, and gradual change.

The word has an older, broader meaning too: being generous or abundant. A liberal helping of ice cream means a big scoop. Someone with a liberal education has studied many subjects broadly rather than specializing narrowly. When you liberally apply sunscreen, you use plenty of it.

In some countries, “liberal” can mean something different from American usage. Classical liberals in Europe, for example, focus on free markets and individual liberty in ways that don't match neatly with American political labels.

As a noun, a liberal is a person with liberal political views.