saliva

noun

sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və 

: a slightly alkaline secretion of water, mucin, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme (such as ptyalin) that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands, lubricates ingested food, and often begins the breakdown of starches

Synonyms of saliva

• drool
• spit
• spittle

Examples of saliva in a Sentence

our mouths filled with saliva when we smelled the delicious dinner

Recent Examples on the Web

Rabies is a deadly virus that spreads to people from the saliva of infected animals, according to the Mayo Clinic. — Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

Instead of creams and balms that temporarily relieve the itch, this inconspicuous tool uses suction to directly remove insect venom, stingers, and saliva from the bite site. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2026

The one-time SRY screening can be collected via saliva, a cheek swab or blood sample, according an FAQ on the Screen Sports platform. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2026

The trouble starts when saliva gets past the body’s defenses—through a bite or into an open cut, for example. — Angela Haupt, Time, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for saliva

• godiva
• conjunctiva
• conjunctivae

Kids Definition

saliva

noun

sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və 

: a fluid containing water, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands

Medical Definition

saliva

noun

sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və 

: a slightly alkaline secretion of water, mucin, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme (as ptyalin) that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands, lubricates ingested food, and often begins the breakdown of starches