solution

noun

so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce solution (audio)
1
a
: an action or process of solving a problem
b
: an answer to a problem : explanation
specifically : a set of values of the variables that satisfies an equation
2
a
: an act or the process by which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance is homogeneously mixed with a liquid or sometimes a gas or solid
b
: a homogeneous mixture formed by this process
especially : a single-phase liquid system
c
: the condition of being dissolved
3
: a bringing or coming to an end or into a state of discontinuity

Examples of solution in a Sentence

Medication may not be the best solution for the patient's condition. The solution is simple you need to spend less money. She made a solution of baking soda and water. a 40 percent saline solution He rinsed the contact lens with saline solution. the solution of sucrose in water
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.
So, as a solution to over 20 years of the industry’s spending addiction, Elba turned her social initiative addressing beauty’s excess, Beauty Access, into a donation drive. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 4 Mar. 2025 That experience shaped their belief that proactive security is the only scalable solution. Tony Bradley, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 But even if such a case could be made, would-be censors would have to show that their solution is worth other significant costs to the free flow of ideas and the silencing of important, good-faith ideas. Jacob Hale Russell, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025 This move aims to provide a more comprehensive and adaptable communication solution for users in an increasingly digital world​. What To Know Before Skype shuts down on May 5, users have two primary options: Transition to Microsoft's free version of the Teams platform or migrate to a new app. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for solution

Word History

Etymology

Middle English solucion explanation, dispersal of bodily humors, from Anglo-French, from Latin solution-, solutio, from solvere to loosen, solve

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of solution was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Solution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solution. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

solution

noun
so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce solution (audio)
1
a
: an act or process of solving
b
: an answer to a problem : explanation
2
a
: an act or the process by which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance is dissolved in a liquid
b
: a liquid in which something has been dissolved
c
: the condition of being dissolved

Medical Definition

solution

noun
so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce solution (audio)
1
a
: an act or the process by which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance is homogeneously mixed with a liquid or sometimes a gas or solid

called also dissolution

b
: a homogeneous mixture formed by this process
2
a
: a liquid containing a dissolved substance
an aqueous solution
b
: a liquid and usually aqueous medicinal preparation with the solid ingredients soluble
c
: the condition of being dissolved
a substance in solution

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