In North America, it means (traditionalist, nationalist) right-wing whereas liberal means left-leaning. Similar to European definitions

Conservatism: Originally inspired by natural law and formed by the upper-class, conservative parties today are middle-class organisations that seek to preserve established traditions and the current status quo of a society. They normally advocate traditional values as authority, nation, religion, family, stability and continuity. Over the time they incorporated some liberal values, especially on economic issues (free market policies).

From wikipedia

Conservatism in the United States is one of two major political ideologies in the United States, with the other being modern liberalism. Traditional American conservatism is characterized by a belief in individualism, traditionalism, capitalism, republicanism, and limited federal governmental power in relation to U.S. states, although 21st century developments have shifted it towards right-wing populist themes.

In the US, liberal–conservative is synonymous with left–right

American political ideologies conventionally align with the left–right political spectrum, with most Americans identifying as conservative, liberal, or moderate.

with US political scientists & pollsters preferring labels liberal, moderate, conservative over left, center, right, eg

Americans’ ideological identification was steady in 2024, with an average of 37% describing their political views as “very conservative” or “conservative,” 34% as “moderate,” and 25% as “very liberal” or “liberal.”

However, much of lemmy seems to deny that conventional alignment exists: I don’t know if that’s basic ignorance or tankie disinfo/stupidity.

in america, “conservatives” will tell you that they want a return to “traditional values” even though that’s just barely the case in reality.

what maga really wants:

be racist/bigoted with complete impunity
mandatory jesus
own slaves again
failing that, resegregation
tradwife

i’m definitely leaving things out, but you get the idea–pretty much the fantasy is to return to the 1950s

edit: i want to add, a LOT of maga voters will say “no i don’t want that i don’t want that” while literally voting for and supporting and wearing t-shirts of the party that’s trying to force people to deify charlie kirk, and punish anyone who doesn’t. it’s absolutely fucking insane, and whatever problems exist in europe, please know that here’s at least one person who envies you