: 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
In particular, urine tests for one drug are as low as $2-$5 for a single test and up to $30 for multiple tests, while saliva and hair follicle tests start around $10 and can exceed $80.
—
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
To look for more physical evidence, the team took saliva samples and measured the cortisol and serotonin levels.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Feb. 2026
Transmission occurs through saliva and mucus during close or prolonged contact, such as sharing drinks, kissing, or being exposed to coughs and sneezes.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026
Eating fruits or fruit products — such as raw date palm juice — contaminated with urine or saliva from infected fruit bats also contributes to spread.
—Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for saliva
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Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
To look for more physical evidence, the team took saliva samples and measured the cortisol and serotonin levels.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Feb. 2026
Transmission occurs through saliva and mucus during close or prolonged contact, such as sharing drinks, kissing, or being exposed to coughs and sneezes.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026
Eating fruits or fruit products — such as raw date palm juice — contaminated with urine or saliva from infected fruit bats also contributes to spread.
—Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for saliva
Cite this Entry
“Saliva.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saliva. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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
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