: 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
Their droppings, body parts, and saliva contain proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction and lead to asthma symptoms.
—
Sanja Jelic, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2026
The prions are spread between animals through bodily fluids, including saliva, blood, urine and feces, and can occur through direct contact or indirectly through contamination of soil, food or water.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
Too often, pet beds are cleaned monthly (or even less) after accumulating daily dander, hair, dirt, saliva, and bacteria.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026
The researchers suggest that saliva and stool samples could help indicate patterns that are linked to stomach cancer, although more research is required before testing is ready for clinical use.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
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Sanja Jelic, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2026
The prions are spread between animals through bodily fluids, including saliva, blood, urine and feces, and can occur through direct contact or indirectly through contamination of soil, food or water.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
Too often, pet beds are cleaned monthly (or even less) after accumulating daily dander, hair, dirt, saliva, and bacteria.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026
The researchers suggest that saliva and stool samples could help indicate patterns that are linked to stomach cancer, although more research is required before testing is ready for clinical use.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 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 4 May. 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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