alkaline

1 of 2

adjective

al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən How to pronounce alkaline (audio) -ˌlīn How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
: of, relating to, containing, or having the properties of an alkali or alkali metal : basic
especially, of a solution : having a pH of more than 7
alkalinity
ˌal-kə-ˈli-nə-tē How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
noun

alkalinity

2 of 2

noun

al·​ka·​lin·​i·​ty ˌal-kə-ˈli-nə-tē How to pronounce alkalinity (audio)
plural -es
: the quality, state, or degree of being alkaline

Examples of alkaline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Wood ash is also quite alkaline, so can be used as a neutralizer if your soil is too acidic. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026 The flower color is affected by soil pH; acid soils cause flowers to be blue; alkaline soil causes pink flowers. — Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 29 May 2026 Growing the hydrangea near concrete, which is highly alkaline, might make turning flowers blue more challenging. — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 20 June 2026 Success is dependent on being planted in sunny locations with moist, well-drained, and neutral to slightly alkaline pH soils. — Emily Leahy, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for alkaline

Word History

Etymology

Noun

alkaline + -ity

First Known Use

Adjective

1682, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1739, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkaline was in 1682

Phrases Containing alkaline

Rhymes for alkaline

See All Rhymes for alkaline

Browse Nearby Words

alkali mustard
alkaline
alkaline battery
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Cite this Entry

“Alkaline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkaline. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

alkaline

adjective
al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən How to pronounce alkaline (audio) -ˌlīn How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an alkali : basic
alkalinity
ˌal-kə-ˈlin-ət-ē How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

alkaline

adjective
al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən How to pronounce alkaline (audio) -ˌlīn How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
: of, relating to, containing, or having the properties of an alkali or alkali metal : basic
especially, of a solution : having a pH of more than 7
alkalinity
ˌal-kə-ˈlin-ət-ē How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
noun
plural alkalinities

More from Merriam-Webster on alkaline

Nglish: Translation of alkaline for Spanish Speakers

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