saliva

noun

sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və How to pronounce saliva (audio)
Synonyms of salivanext
: 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

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Examples of saliva in a Sentence

our mouths filled with saliva when we smelled the delicious dinner
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.
Rabies is caused by a virus that is spread mainly through the saliva of infected animals. — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 The genetic data had later been deleted but police obtained a new saliva sample from the suspect which matched a DNA trace found on Lopez's clothing, prosecutors said at the time. — CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 In humans, the rabies virus, transmitted in the saliva of an infected animal, is a serious and fatal disease that attacks the central nervous system. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Why bats can pose a rabies risk Rabies spreads through the saliva or nervous tissue of an infected mammal, usually through a bite. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for saliva

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of saliva was in the 15th century

Rhymes for saliva

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Browse Nearby Words

salite
saliva
salival
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Cite this Entry

“Saliva.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saliva. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

saliva

noun
sa·​li·​va sə-ˈlī-və How to pronounce saliva (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce saliva (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on saliva

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about saliva

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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