solution

noun

so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən 

1

a

: an act or means 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

chemistry : a homogenous mixture formed by mixing one solid, liquid, or gaseous substance with another

especially : a liquid system containing one phase

… use a mild disinfectant such as a bleach/water solution.

—Ed Blonz

b

chemistry : the act or process of such mixing

… the solution of CO₂ into oceanic waters causes the pH to fall as the ocean becomes more acidic.

—James W. Porter and Josiah Meigs

c

chemistry : the condition of being dissolved

3

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

a

: a separating of normally continuous parts (such as body parts)

b

: dissolution, dispersion

Synonyms of solution

• 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

Amazon has genius lid-free storage solutions for the pantry, like this acrylic straw holder, starting at $6. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2026

Fetcherr serves as the strategic partner, working with C-suite executives to deliver solutions that meet the business' needs, whether that means maximizing market share, optimizing yield, or finding the right balance between revenue growth and operational efficiency. —CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026

The good news is that Wayfair’s closet storage storefront has under-$25 solutions that keep clothes, shoes, purses, and jewelry in order. —Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026

Their grandparents see a solution looking for a problem. —Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

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