saltwater

1 of 2

adjective

salt·​wa·​ter ˈsȯlt-ˌwȯ-tər 

-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

Adjective

Between the devil and the deep blue sea Jupiter’s moon Europa is thought to contain a saltwater ocean beneath an icy shell. —science.org, 19 Sep. 2024

The Fish of Plenty Mahi-mahi are one of the most abundant saltwater fish in the world. —Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 19 Sep. 2024

Noun

Its heart recalls the feeling of salt water kissing one’s face. —Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024

Since viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics, recommended care includes lukewarm salt water gargles, OTC painkillers, drinking plenty of fluids, and rest. —Kashif J. Piracha, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2024

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

Phrases Containing saltwater

• saltwater taffy

Kids Definition

saltwater

adjective

salt·​wa·​ter ˈsȯlt-ˌwȯt-ər 

-ˌwät-

: relating to, living in, or consisting of salt water