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

Lattes, energy drinks, sodas and pre-workout powders have made caffeine easier to consume than ever and easier to overdo. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026

The phrase is commonly used in restaurant kitchens and originated at soda counters in the 1930s, according to the dictionary. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 11 June 2026

Think an old-fashioned soda shop and ice-cream parlor, with red-vinyl booths and a jukebox for throwing on some oldies. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 11 June 2026

High caffeine intake is a real possibility for some as lattes, energy drinks and sodas multiply, leaving many wondering whether their daily habit has crossed into risky territory. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 11 June 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
• amphipoda
• 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