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

Research suggests that microgravity and other aspects of spaceflight may alter saliva production and oral health, likely because fluid shifts, dehydration and changes in the body’s stress response can affect the salivary glands. — Sundeep Venkatesan, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026

That fight or flight kicked in and all of the saliva in my mouth completely dried up. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 30 July 2026

The itch comes down to your immune system reacting to proteins in insect saliva. — Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 29 July 2026

But that motion also creates negative pressure, which pulls some milk—and saliva—back into the breast. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 29 July 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