desalinate

verb

de·​sa·​li·​nate (ˌ)dē-ˈsa-lə-ˌnāt How to pronounce desalinate (audio)
also -ˈsā-
desalinated; desalinating

transitive verb

: desalt
desalination
(ˌ)dē-ˌsa-lə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce desalinate (audio)
also -ˌsā-
noun
desalinator
(ˌ)dē-ˈsa-lə-ˌnā-tər How to pronounce desalinate (audio)
also -ˈsā-
noun

Examples of desalinate in a Sentence

The company is building a plant that will desalinate seawater.
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.
The Coast Guard then transported it to the mainland, where it was sent to be desalinated and cleaned. — Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025 This could be used to desalinate some of the saltwater and turn the southern Negev Desert into lush agricultural land. — Big Think, 17 Oct. 2025 Drinking water needs to be desalinated, which is accomplished by desalination plants across Gaza, aid workers say. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2025 If not carefully desalinated, these salts can cause internal corrosion that accelerates upon exposure to air. — Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for desalinate

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of desalinate was in 1949

Rhymes for desalinate

See All Rhymes for desalinate

Browse Nearby Words

Desaix de Veygoux
desalinate
desalinization
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

desalinate

verb
de·​sa·​li·​nate (ˈ)dē-ˈsal-ə-ˌnāt How to pronounce desalinate (audio)
also -ˈsā-lə-
desalinated; desalinating
: desalt
desalination
(ˌ)dē-ˌsal-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce desalinate (audio)
also -ˌsā-lə-
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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