saliva

noun

sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və 

: a slightly alkaline secretion of water, mucin, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme (such as ptyalin) that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands, lubricates ingested food, and often begins the breakdown of starches

Synonyms of saliva

• drool
• spit
• spittle

Examples of saliva in a Sentence

our mouths filled with saliva when we smelled the delicious dinner

Recent Examples on the Web

In saliva samples from 628 adults, researchers at New York University Abu Dhabi found that people living with obesity host a distinct oral microbiome, one that differs not just in species, but in what those microbes are actively doing. —New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026

Burning Mouth On the list of surprising symptoms of menopause, the loss in estrogen results in less saliva production and a drier mouth. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026

In particular, urine tests for one drug are as low as $2-$5 for a single test and up to $30 for multiple tests, while saliva and hair follicle tests start around $10 and can exceed $80. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026

To look for more physical evidence, the team took saliva samples and measured the cortisol and serotonin levels. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for saliva

• godiva
• conjunctiva
• conjunctivae

Kids Definition

saliva

noun

sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və 

: a fluid containing water, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands

Medical Definition

saliva

noun

sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və 

: a slightly alkaline secretion of water, mucin, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme (as ptyalin) that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands, lubricates ingested food, and often begins the breakdown of starches