saltwater

1 of 2

adjective

salt·​wa·​ter ˈsȯlt-ˌwȯ-tər 

-ˌwä-

1

: consisting of or containing salt water

saltwater lagoons

a saltwater solution

compare freshwater

2

: living in or taken from salt water

saltwater fish

saltwater pearls

3

: relating to, associated with, or suitable for salt water

a saltwater rod

saltwater tales

salt water

2 of 2

noun

variants or less commonly saltwater

1

: water to which salt (as sodium chloride) has been added

flush the wound with salt water

We think all turkeys are improved by brining (soaking in salt water), but it's a cumbersome task that few holiday schedules can accommodate.

—Gourmet

2

: water (as of the ocean) that naturally contains a significant amount of salt : seawater

This deck shoe uses a patented leather that's virtually immune to salt water.

—Michael Verdon

also : a body of salt water

We hiked on, finally reaching the island's highest point, a lookout with sweeping views far out across the salt water.

—Wendy Williams

compare fresh water

Examples of saltwater in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Despite its serene appeal, the area is also home to a diverse ecosystem, including occasional visits from wildlife such as sea turtles and, as Noémie and Robin discovered, even saltwater crocodiles. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024

The initial decline in saltwater fish off the Texas coast was due to overharvesting that occurred largely in the 1970s. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 11 July 2024

Noun

In the thick atmosphere, stray dogs fight with seabirds for scraps of offal and urinate against the barrels of blood and salt water where waiting fish float. —Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2024

Additional home remedies for a cough and other cold symptoms include using a humidifier, gargling with salt water, OTC medications, and essential oils. —Emily Dashiell, Verywell Health, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing saltwater

• saltwater taffy

Kids Definition

saltwater

adjective

salt·​wa·​ter ˈsȯlt-ˌwȯt-ər 

-ˌwät-

: relating to, living in, or consisting of salt water