: 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
Chewing sugar-free gum: This stimulates saliva production without further damaging teeth.
—
Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
The test, according to World Boxing, can be conducted via nasal or mouth swab, saliva, or blood.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 5 June 2025
In last week’s announcement, World Boxing said all athletes over the age of 18 will have to undertake a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) genetic test, which can be conducted by a nasal or mouth swab, saliva or blood.
—Reuters, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
Fox News Digital previously spoke to Dr. Ricky Marshall about the impact of stomach acid and saliva production on dental health.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for saliva
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Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
The test, according to World Boxing, can be conducted via nasal or mouth swab, saliva, or blood.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 5 June 2025
In last week’s announcement, World Boxing said all athletes over the age of 18 will have to undertake a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) genetic test, which can be conducted by a nasal or mouth swab, saliva or blood.
—Reuters, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
Fox News Digital previously spoke to Dr. Ricky Marshall about the impact of stomach acid and saliva production on dental health.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for saliva
Cite this Entry
“Saliva.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saliva. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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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