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

And if there’s a bite mark, chances are some contamination has happened because animals can carry bacteria and parasites in their saliva. — Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Aug. 2026

The one-time SRY screening can be collected via saliva, a cheek swab or blood sample, according an FAQ on the Screen Sports platform. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2026

The trouble starts when saliva gets past the body’s defenses—through a bite or into an open cut, for example. — Angela Haupt, Time, 12 Aug. 2026

It is also spread when an infected animal's saliva comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or open cut of a person or another animal. — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 12 Aug. 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