: 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
This allows your saliva to wash away the acid and protects tooth enamel.
—
Jamie Wolff, Health, 27 Dec. 2025
For example, a study published in August suggested that a Denisovan gene variant involved in the production of mucous and saliva may have helped Homo sapiens adapt to new environments.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 26 Dec. 2025
Rabies can also spread when a rabid animal's saliva enters an open wound or the eyes, nose or mouth.
—Noel Brennan, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
Clear nail polish can be used instead of saliva or water to easily seal envelopes by swiping a small amount along the edge of the envelope flap before closing.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for saliva
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Jamie Wolff, Health, 27 Dec. 2025
For example, a study published in August suggested that a Denisovan gene variant involved in the production of mucous and saliva may have helped Homo sapiens adapt to new environments.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 26 Dec. 2025
Rabies can also spread when a rabid animal's saliva enters an open wound or the eyes, nose or mouth.
—Noel Brennan, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
Clear nail polish can be used instead of saliva or water to easily seal envelopes by swiping a small amount along the edge of the envelope flap before closing.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 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 2 Jan. 2026.
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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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