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 transmitted through a bat’s saliva. —Heather McRea, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026

The venomous saliva is pumped into a victim through a channel in the wheel bug’s beak. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026

What to know about measles Health officials say measles can spread through the air or through mucus or saliva from an infected person. —Katie Houlis, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026

Cannabis use was self-reported and confirmed with biological testing from hair, urine, and saliva samples. —Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 20 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