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

Transmission occurs through saliva and mucus during close or prolonged contact, such as sharing drinks, kissing, or being exposed to coughs and sneezes. —Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026

Eating fruits or fruit products — such as raw date palm juice — contaminated with urine or saliva from infected fruit bats also contributes to spread. —Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026

The infection spreads through direct contact with saliva. —Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026

This flu-like, fatal infection carried by fruit bats can spread to pigs and humans, especially through close contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, blood or respiratory droplets. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 28 Jan. 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