: 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
Examples of saliva in a Sentence
our mouths filled with saliva when we smelled the delicious dinner
Recent Examples on the Web
It is generally spread by sharing saliva or spit and requires close contact.
—
Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 18 Jan. 2025
In this case, the doctors theorize that the tick may have bitten the woman's eardrum, creating a tiny tear or perforation that allowed the saliva enzymes to inflame the tissue.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
The illness is spread by the Marburg virus, which is found in the urine, saliva and excrement of Egyptian rousette bats.
—Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
This important liquid contributes to a number of essential functions, such as regulating body temperature, flushing out waste, acting as a shock absorber for the brain and spinal cord, making saliva, and lubricating the joints.
—New Atlas, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for saliva 
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.
Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 18 Jan. 2025
In this case, the doctors theorize that the tick may have bitten the woman's eardrum, creating a tiny tear or perforation that allowed the saliva enzymes to inflame the tissue.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
The illness is spread by the Marburg virus, which is found in the urine, saliva and excrement of Egyptian rousette bats.
—Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
This important liquid contributes to a number of essential functions, such as regulating body temperature, flushing out waste, acting as a shock absorber for the brain and spinal cord, making saliva, and lubricating the joints.
—New Atlas, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for saliva
Dictionary Entries Near saliva
Cite this Entry
“Saliva.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saliva. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share