saliva

noun

sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və 

: 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

• drool
• spit
• spittle

Examples of saliva in a Sentence

our mouths filled with saliva when we smelled the delicious dinner

Recent Examples on the Web

Does the alpha-gal in a tick’s saliva piggyback on some virus or antigen that sensitizes people to it? — Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

The structures are made using biological molecules found in their own saliva to glue the earth together. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026

Chewing, as well as enzymes in your saliva, begin the process of breaking down food, which is then swallowed to travel through your esophagus into your stomach. — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 24 June 2026

The attempt to slim his face caused serious complications, and he was left with saliva buildup, scar tissue, and chronic pain. — Louis Peitzman, Entertainment Weekly, 24 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for saliva

• godiva
• conjunctiva
• conjunctivae

Kids Definition

saliva

noun

sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və 

: 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 

: 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