solution

noun

so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce solution (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
New financing approaches are beginning to match these solutions. Olivier Wenden, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025 Lately, investment in new or expanded medical schools is aiming to be part of the solution. Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 The city has enacted a more aggressive policy stance to limit the impacts of tent and vehicle encampments — panned as draconian by some advocates — in conjunction with its heavy investment in interim housing solutions. Devan Patel, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025 Importantly, the company’s technology, which includes materials used for the actual polishing and etching (lithography) of chips, as well as advanced packaging and thermal solutions, is integral for the development of leading-edge chips. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for solution

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of solution was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Solution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solution. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

solution

noun
so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce solution (audio)
1
a
: an act or process of solving
b
: an answer to a problem : explanation
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 How to pronounce solution (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on solution

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!