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

For back sleepers, saliva may either stay in the mouth or travel down the throat. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026

After that, the researchers took saliva samples from each participant and analyzed them for chemical markers on DNA that can change as someone ages to measure their biological age. —Korin Miller, SELF, 10 Mar. 2026

The virus spreads via respiratory droplets and saliva through coughing, sneezing, talking or sharing eating utensils. —Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2026

All that human saliva and mucus, absorbed and dried into a rough crust. —Literary Hub, 4 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