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

At this stage, the chicks are fed small bites of fish or other prey, and the parents’ saliva, which contains electrolytes and antibodies, helps give the eaglets a healthy start. —Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026

The testing can be conducted via saliva, cheek swab or blood sample. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026

The public health department says people shouldn’t wash clothing worn during the bite incident as CDFW officials may be able to collect coyote saliva samples from the clothing for testing. —Paris Barraza, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026

When compared with samples collected before and after the flight, the saliva and blood data will allow researchers to track immune changes linked to stressors such as radiation and isolation. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 1 Apr. 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