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

The pool is saltwater with a Baja shelf and swim jets, paired with a hot tub for warmer soaks. —Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Ideal for saltwater fishing, this lightweight option breaks down into two pieces for easy carrying. —Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 31 July 2025

Noun

How does 'flesh-eating' bacteria enter the body? Vibrio vulnificus requires salt water for survival and thrives in warm, brackish water where a stream or river meets seawater, according to the CDC. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025

The new pools are intended to handle year-round use, incorporating electric pool heaters, salt water and UV light water treatment. —Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025

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

Rhymes for saltwater

• backwater
• bathwater
• blackwater
• breakwater
• deepwater
• edgewater
• feedwater
• floodwater
• freshwater
• granddaughter
• groundwater
• headwater

Kids Definition

saltwater

adjective

salt·​wa·​ter ˈsȯlt-ˌwȯt-ər 

-ˌwät-

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