saltwater

1 of 2

adjective

salt·​wa·​ter ˈsȯlt-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce saltwater (audio)
-ˌwä-
1
: consisting of or containing salt water
saltwater lagoons
a saltwater solution
compare freshwater
2
: living in or taken from salt water
saltwater fish
saltwater pearls
3
: relating to, associated with, or suitable for salt water
a saltwater rod
saltwater tales

salt water

2 of 2

noun

variants or less commonly saltwater
1
: water to which salt (as sodium chloride) has been added
flush the wound with salt water
We think all turkeys are improved by brining (soaking in salt water), but it's a cumbersome task that few holiday schedules can accommodate.Gourmet
2
: water (as of the ocean) that naturally contains a significant amount of salt : seawater
This deck shoe uses a patented leather that's virtually immune to salt water.Michael Verdon
also : a body of salt water
We hiked on, finally reaching the island's highest point, a lookout with sweeping views far out across the salt water. Wendy Williams
compare fresh water

Examples of saltwater 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.
Adjective
Set in a basin in the Alps, this picturesque town on the border of Austria is known for its saltwater therapies and fresh mountain air. Sofia Markovich, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2025 Dentists often recommend saltwater gargles and rinses after oral surgery. Sherri Gordon, Health, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
In its most basic definition, sea salt sprays mimic the wave-defining abilities of salt water. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 30 June 2025 Blondes might experience a greenish tint from chlorine while brunettes and redheads can struggle with brassiness from sun, salt water, and chlorine exposure. Holly Carter, People.com, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for saltwater

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of saltwater was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Saltwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saltwater. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

saltwater

adjective
salt·​wa·​ter ˈsȯlt-ˌwȯt-ər How to pronounce saltwater (audio)
-ˌwät-
: relating to, living in, or consisting of salt water
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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