sodium bicarbonate

noun

: a white crystalline weakly alkaline salt NaHCO₃ used especially in baking powders and fire extinguishers and in medicine as an antacid

called also baking soda, bicarbonate of soda

Examples of sodium bicarbonate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to water and carbonation, it’s infused with minerals such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium sulfate, or sodium chloride. —Emily Price, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Popular antacids are Gaviscon (alginic acid/sodium bicarbonate/aluminum hydroxide/magnesium carbonate), Mylanta (aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide), Rolaids (calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide), and Tums (calcium carbonate). —Patricia Weiser, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a common household ingredient used for cooking, cleaning, digestive and dental health, and more.1 Often included in toothpaste products, baking soda may help whiten teeth, reduce plaque, and support oral hygiene. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 27 Mar. 2025

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a common ingredient in pantries for baking cookies or a cake. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sodium bicarbonate

noun

: a white weakly alkaline salt used especially in baking powders and fire extinguishers and in medicine as an antacid

called also baking soda, bicarbonate of soda

Medical Definition

sodium bicarbonate

noun

: a white crystalline weakly alkaline salt NaHCO₃ used in baking powders and in medicine especially as an antacid

called also baking soda, bicarb, bicarbonate of soda, sodium acid carbonate