soda

noun

so·​da ˈsō-də 

1

a

: sodium carbonate

b

: sodium bicarbonate

c

: sodium

—often used in combination

soda-feldspar

nitrate of soda

2

a

: soda water sense 2a

b

: soda pop

c

: a sweet drink consisting of soda water, flavoring, and often ice cream

3

: the faro card that shows faceup in the dealing box before play begins

Examples of soda in a Sentence

I ordered fries and a soda.

Recent Examples on the Web

Drinks feel just as grown-up, shifting away from sweet sips like sodas (a 2025 staple) and sugary mixed drinks toward options like sparkling water with citrus, martinis (with an olive or onion, of course), savory cocktails, and bloody Marys or Caesars. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2026

PepsiCo is pushing its probiotic soda and zero-calorie offerings, while making its snacks cheaper and healthier. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026

Take a full cup of ice, mix a little lemon soda or Sprite into red wine, and add a lemon wedge. —Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026

The soda blends cherry and vanilla flavors and will be sold in full sugar and zero sugar varieties. —Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Arabic suwwād, any of several saltworts from the ashes of which sodium carbonate is obtained

First Known Use

1558, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing soda

• baking soda
• bicarbonate of soda
• caustic soda
• club soda
• cream soda
• nitrate of soda
• soda ash
• soda biscuit
• soda bread
• soda cracker
• soda fountain
• soda jerk
• soda lime
• soda pop
• soda water
• washing soda

Rhymes for soda

• coda
• oda
• toda
• copepoda
• decapoda
• gastropoda
• isopoda
• nematoda
• ostracoda
• pagoda

Kids Definition

soda

noun

so·​da ˈsōd-ə 

1

a

: sodium carbonate

b

: sodium bicarbonate

2

a

: soda water

b

: soda pop

c

: a sweet drink consisting of soda water, flavoring, and often ice cream

Medical Definition

soda

noun

so·​da ˈsōd-ə 

: sodium carbonate

also : sodium bicarbonate