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

• 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

Take advantage of high-fiber foods such as beans and leafy greens to lower acid levels and generate more saliva to help clean the teeth. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025

Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected after spitting toward Cowboys quarterback, Dak Prescott, apparently in response to Prescott sending saliva in his direction first. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 5 Sep. 2025

Someone may also produce lots of saliva and exhibit aggressive behavior. —Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025

For doctors and patients, the Holy Grail of medicine would be a simple blood or saliva test to detect all types of cancer before symptoms or sickness appears. —Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025

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