saliva

noun

sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və How to pronounce saliva (audio)
Synonyms of salivanext
: a slightly alkaline secretion of water, mucin, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme (such as ptyalin) that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands, lubricates ingested food, and often begins the breakdown of starches

Synonyms of saliva

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Examples of saliva in a Sentence

our mouths filled with saliva when we smelled the delicious dinner
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.
An anticoagulant in their saliva prevents the blood from clotting up. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026 Herpesviruses, for example, move to uninfected individuals via direct contact with bodily fluids (particularly saliva) or with the skin or mucous membranes of infected persons, which can include asymptomatic carriers. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026 Per a guide from Nectr, saliva wets the pouch and releases its ingredients, and how much is actually absorbed depends on the formulation and how the pouch is used. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026 Once applied, the gel forms a thin layer over the tooth that acts like a scaffold, guiding calcium and phosphate from saliva into new crystals that follow the structure of the enamel underneath. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for saliva

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of saliva was in the 15th century

Rhymes for saliva

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Browse Nearby Words

salite
saliva
salival
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Cite this Entry

“Saliva.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saliva. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

saliva

noun
sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və How to pronounce saliva (audio)
: a fluid containing water, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands

Medical Definition

saliva

noun
sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və How to pronounce saliva (audio)
: a slightly alkaline secretion of water, mucin, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme (as ptyalin) that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands, lubricates ingested food, and often begins the breakdown of starches

More from Merriam-Webster on saliva

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about saliva

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