alkaline

adjective

al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən How to pronounce alkaline (audio) -ˌlīn How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
: of, relating to, containing, or having the properties of an alkali or alkali metal : basic
especially, of a solution : having a pH of more than 7
alkalinity
ˌal-kə-ˈli-nə-tē How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
noun

Examples of alkaline in a Sentence

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.
Fresh concrete is alkaline enough to shield the metal from rust, but carbonation gradually lowers its pH and weakens that protection. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 11 July 2026 According to our experts, baking soda creates a mildly alkaline solution that helps loosen surface dirt and remove some pesticide residues from vegetables. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026 Growing the hydrangea near concrete, which is highly alkaline, might make turning flowers blue more challenging. — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 20 June 2026 Baking soda raises the pH of the soaking or cooking water, creating a more alkaline environment that can help break down some hard-to-digest carbohydrates before the beans reach your digestive system. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for alkaline

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkaline was in 1682

Phrases Containing alkaline

Rhymes for alkaline

See All Rhymes for alkaline

Browse Nearby Words

alkali mustard
alkaline
alkaline battery
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alkaline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkaline. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

alkaline

adjective
al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən How to pronounce alkaline (audio) -ˌlīn How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an alkali : basic
alkalinity
ˌal-kə-ˈlin-ət-ē How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

alkaline

adjective
al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən How to pronounce alkaline (audio) -ˌlīn How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
: of, relating to, containing, or having the properties of an alkali or alkali metal : basic
especially, of a solution : having a pH of more than 7
alkalinity
ˌal-kə-ˈlin-ət-ē How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
noun
plural alkalinities

More from Merriam-Webster on alkaline

Nglish: Translation of alkaline for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of fulcrum

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
banana-mirrored
Contradictory Words Quiz Pick out which word means one thing…and the opp...
See All