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.
Note: Most subscribers have some, but not all, of the puzzles that correspond to the following set of solutions for their local newspaper. Usa Today, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025 Reliable Autonomy System is a complete solution The company revealed that the Reliable Autonomy System is a complete solution for the integration of large uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into both civil and military airspaces. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025 The company is also developing smart glasses similar to Meta’s Ray-Bans as an interim solution while perfecting true AR technology. Preston Fore, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2025 The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is leading the way with innovative solutions, including green infrastructure programs, that are designed to combat these issues. Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 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

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