acidity

noun

acid·​i·​ty ə-ˈsi-də-tē How to pronounce acidity (audio)
a-
plural acidities
1
: the quality, state, or degree of being acid
2
: the state of being excessively acid

Examples of acidity in a Sentence

detected a certain acidity in the way he responded the acidity of their relationship was well known to their mutual acquaintances
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.
Among the list of ingredients, cremini mushrooms add an earthiness, dry red wine deepens flavor and adds a touch of acidity, Worcestershire sauce boosts the meaty and savory taste, and Dijon mustard adds a touch of tanginess. Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025 Very dry, this has lively acidity and very good complexity. Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 As the seas warm, researchers have found that sound carries farther, and that rising acidity alters the very chemistry of how vibrations move through saltwater, reshaping the pathways of song and echo. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025 Each coffee was scored based on criteria such as acidity, body, and sweetness (which everyone ranked 10 out of 10) before the whole lot was averaged for a score out of 100. Alex Mayyasi, Saveur, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acidity

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Late Latin; French acidité, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Late Latin aciditāt-, aciditās, from Latin acidus "sour, acid entry 2" + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of acidity was in 1615

Cite this Entry

“Acidity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acidity. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

acidity

noun
acid·​i·​ty ə-ˈsid-ət-ē How to pronounce acidity (audio)
a-
plural acidities
1
: the quality, state, or degree of being acid
2
: the state of being extremely acid

Medical Definition

acidity

noun
acid·​i·​ty ə-ˈsid-ət-ē, a- How to pronounce acidity (audio)
plural acidities
1
: the quality, state, or degree of being sour or chemically acid
the acidity of lemon juice
2
: the quality or state of being excessively or abnormally acid : hyperacidity

More from Merriam-Webster on acidity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!