soda

noun

so·​da ˈsō-də 

1

a

: sodium carbonate

b

: sodium bicarbonate

c

: sodium

—often used in combination

soda-feldspar

nitrate of soda

2

a

: soda water sense 2a

b

: soda pop

c

: a sweet drink consisting of soda water, flavoring, and often ice cream

3

: the faro card that shows faceup in the dealing box before play begins

Examples of soda in a Sentence

I ordered fries and a soda.

Recent Examples on the Web

Stick to mild detergents or baking soda for safe and effective cleaning. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2025

Some mocktails rely on manufactured non-alcoholic spirits, botanicals and bitters but others are simple mixtures of fruit juice, soda, and syrup, experts say. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025

Cut the potato in half, sprinkle salt or baking soda on the cut side, and rub it on the rusty surface. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2025

The group also handed out snack bags packed with a bag of chips, popcorn, apple sauce, soda — and a Bible verse. —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Arabic suwwād, any of several saltworts from the ashes of which sodium carbonate is obtained

First Known Use

1558, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing soda

• baking soda
• bicarbonate of soda
• caustic soda
• club soda
• cream soda
• nitrate of soda
• soda ash
• soda biscuit
• soda bread
• soda cracker
• soda fountain
• soda jerk
• soda lime
• soda pop
• soda water
• washing soda

Kids Definition

soda

noun

so·​da ˈsōd-ə 

1

a

: sodium carbonate

b

: sodium bicarbonate

2

a

: soda water

b

: soda pop

c

: a sweet drink consisting of soda water, flavoring, and often ice cream

Medical Definition

soda

noun

so·​da ˈsōd-ə 

: sodium carbonate

also : sodium bicarbonate