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

Clear nail polish can be used instead of saliva or water to easily seal envelopes by swiping a small amount along the edge of the envelope flap before closing. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2025

Researchers hypothesize that the ancient mother bees mixed dirt with their saliva to construct these minuscule chambers, each smaller than the eraser on a pencil. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Dec. 2025

The Jawbreaker Gag will cause a person's mouth to produce more saliva than a regular gag and create a choking hazard if the person is unattended or inverted for any reason. —Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025

But the testing showed evidence of rabies in his saliva, skin and brain tissue. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 11 Dec. 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