solution

noun

so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən 

1

a

: an action or process of solving a problem

b

: an answer to a problem : explanation

specifically : a set of values of the variables that satisfies an equation

2

a

: an act or the process by which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance is homogeneously mixed with a liquid or sometimes a gas or solid

b

: a homogeneous mixture formed by this process

especially : a single-phase liquid system

c

: the condition of being dissolved

3

: a bringing or coming to an end or into a state of discontinuity

Synonyms

• answer
• result

Examples of solution in a Sentence

Medication may not be the best solution for the patient's condition.

The solution is simple you need to spend less money.

She made a solution of baking soda and water.

a 40 percent saline solution

He rinsed the contact lens with saline solution.

the solution of sucrose in water

Recent Examples on the Web

Nearly 700,000 state residents who rely on the program could be affected if a funding solution is not found. —Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025

Here, Disney Petit, CEO of LiquiDonate, discusses how the returns and warehouse management solution is helping retailers turn excess inventory and unsellable goods into opportunities for community impact and operational efficiency. —Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 27 Oct. 2025

While legislators weigh solutions in Raleigh, Wanda Knox continues the daily work of keeping her nephew at home. —Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025

The Whipple Shield, first developed in the 1940s and used on Apollo spacecraft, is today’s most common protective solution. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English solucion explanation, dispersal of bodily humors, from Anglo-French, from Latin solution-, solutio, from solvere to loosen, solve

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing solution

• Benedict's solution
• Fehling's solution
• final solution
• Ringer's solution
• solution set

Rhymes for solution

• ablution
• aleutian
• confucian
• dilution
• elution
• locution
• pollution
• volution
• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution

Kids Definition

solution

noun

so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən 

1

a

: an act or process of solving

b

: an answer to a problem : explanation

c

: solution set

2

a

: an act or the process by which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance is dissolved in a liquid

b

: a liquid in which something has been dissolved

c

: the condition of being dissolved

Medical Definition

solution

noun

so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən 

1

a

: an act or the process by which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance is homogeneously mixed with a liquid or sometimes a gas or solid

called also dissolution

b

: a homogeneous mixture formed by this process

2

a

: a liquid containing a dissolved substance

an aqueous solution

b

: a liquid and usually aqueous medicinal preparation with the solid ingredients soluble

c

: the condition of being dissolved

a substance in solution