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

The mumps virus spreads through saliva and respiratory secretions when infected people cough, sneeze, talk, or share drinks or utensils. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Mar. 2026

Use the air blower, instead of blowing air from your mouth, as saliva and moisture can create unnecessary smudges. —Jacob Little, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2026

Berry, who immediately wiped away his saliva, looked stunned, even horrified, but Brody didn’t seem to notice. —Brent Lang, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026

Medications that increase tear and saliva production can help along with other lifestyle interventions. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 12 Mar. 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