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

This weak acid can react with alkaline liquids, including industrial wastewater, to form bicarbonate. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026

But for some patients with alkaline urine, including many women, citrate can actually increase their risk of developing a different kind of stone, called calcium phosphate. —Erin Allday, San Francisco Chronicle, 15 Mar. 2026

Soil with a pH below 6 is considered acidic; anything above 7 is alkaline; 7 is neutral. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2026

To compensate, the body relies on the lungs, kidneys, and liver, and draws on alkaline mineral reserves such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. —Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 24 Feb. 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

• acridine
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine
• caroline

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