alkaline

adjective

al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən  -ˌlīn 

: of, relating to, containing, or having the properties of an alkali or alkali metal : basic

especially, of a solution : having a pH of more than 7

alkalinity

ˌal-kə-ˈli-nə-tē 

noun

Examples of alkaline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Growing the hydrangea near concrete, which is highly alkaline, might make turning flowers blue more challenging. — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 20 June 2026

Baking soda raises the pH of the soaking or cooking water, creating a more alkaline environment that can help break down some hard-to-digest carbohydrates before the beans reach your digestive system. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 8 June 2026

Numerous celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston, have touted alkaline water in brand campaigns, but is there a real benefit? — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026

The flower color is affected by soil pH; acid soils cause flowers to be blue; alkaline soil causes pink flowers. — Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 29 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing alkaline

• alkaline battery
• alkaline earth metal
• alkaline hydrolysis
• alkaline phosphatase

Rhymes for alkaline

• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine
• caroline
• centerline
• chloroquine

Kids Definition

alkaline

adjective

al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən  -ˌlīn 

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an alkali : basic

alkalinity

ˌal-kə-ˈlin-ət-ē 

noun

Medical Definition

alkaline

adjective

al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən  -ˌlīn 

: of, relating to, containing, or having the properties of an alkali or alkali metal : basic

especially, of a solution : having a pH of more than 7

alkalinity

ˌal-kə-ˈlin-ət-ē 

noun

plural alkalinities