solution

noun

so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən 

1

a

: an action or process of solving a problem

b

: an answer to a problem : explanation

specifically : a set of values of the variables that satisfies an equation

2

a

: an act or the process by which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance is homogeneously mixed with a liquid or sometimes a gas or solid

b

: a homogeneous mixture formed by this process

especially : a single-phase liquid system

c

: the condition of being dissolved

3

: a bringing or coming to an end or into a state of discontinuity

Synonyms

• result
• answer

Examples of solution in a Sentence

Medication may not be the best solution for the patient's condition.

The solution is simple you need to spend less money.

She made a solution of baking soda and water.

a 40 percent saline solution

He rinsed the contact lens with saline solution.

the solution of sucrose in water

Recent Examples on the Web

Things eventually click into place when the questions have been addressed and solutions worked out. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

Importantly, the polymer materials dissolve in standard conservation solutions, allowing future removal of the mask without damaging the original work. —ArsTechnica, 20 June 2025

Disposing of a fraction of 1 percent of that, so that the next generation can afford a home, is a common-sense solution to a national problem. —Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025

French President Emmanuel Macron said France and other European nations would offer Tehran a diplomatic solution to end its war with Israel, AFP reported. —Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 20 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English solucion explanation, dispersal of bodily humors, from Anglo-French, from Latin solution-, solutio, from solvere to loosen, solve

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing solution

• Benedict's solution
• Fehling's solution
• final solution
• Ringer's solution
• solution set

Rhymes for solution

• ablution
• aleutian
• confucian
• dilution
• elution
• locution
• pollution
• volution
• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution

Kids Definition

solution

noun

so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən 

1

a

: an act or process of solving

b

: an answer to a problem : explanation

c

: solution set

2

a

: an act or the process by which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance is dissolved in a liquid

b

: a liquid in which something has been dissolved

c

: the condition of being dissolved

Medical Definition

solution

noun

so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən 

1

a

: an act or the process by which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance is homogeneously mixed with a liquid or sometimes a gas or solid

called also dissolution

b

: a homogeneous mixture formed by this process

2

a

: a liquid containing a dissolved substance

an aqueous solution

b

: a liquid and usually aqueous medicinal preparation with the solid ingredients soluble

c

: the condition of being dissolved

a substance in solution