adjective

1. suitable for a freeman; not restricted: now only in liberal arts, liberal education, etc.
2. giving freely; generous
3. large or plentiful; ample; abundant a liberal reward
4. ☆ not restricted to the literal meaning; not strict a liberal interpretation of the Bible
5. tolerant of views differing from one's own; broad-minded; specif., not orthodox
6. of democratic or republican forms of government, as distinguished from monarchies, aristocracies, etc.
7. favoring reform or progress, as in religion, education, etc.; specif., favoring political reforms tending toward democracy and personal freedom for the individual; progressive
8. designating or of a political party upholding liberal principles, esp. such a party in England or Canada
9. Obsolete excessively free or indecorous in behavior; licentious

Etymology: OFr < L liberalis < liber, free < IE base *leudhero-, belonging to the people, free < base *leudh-, to grow up, rise > Ger leute, people, OE leodan, to grow

noun

1. a person favoring liberalism
2. a member of a liberal political party