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

• 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

Ultimately, these all reduce saliva production, which can leave your mouth feeling parched. —Amy Marturana Winderl, SELF, 8 July 2025

Testing for excess cortisol can be done through blood, saliva, or urine tests. —Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 24 June 2025

Many common medications — including antihistamines, antidepressants and blood pressure drugs — can reduce saliva production, making the mouth more prone to tooth decay, infection and gum disease, WebMD states. —Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025

Mice contaminate food, chew up everything in sight, and spread illnesses through their urine, saliva, and droppings, says Sheldon Owen, a wildlife extension specialist at West Virginia University. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 19 June 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