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

In short, plain water isn’t lacking anything that alkaline water provides for the average healthy person. — Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 12 Aug. 2026

Fresh concrete is alkaline enough to shield the metal from rust, but carbonation gradually lowers its pH and weakens that protection. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 11 July 2026

According to our experts, baking soda creates a mildly alkaline solution that helps loosen surface dirt and remove some pesticide residues from vegetables. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026

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