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saltwater

American  
[sawlt-waw-ter, -wot-er] / ˈsɔltˈwɔ tər, -ˈwɒt ər /

adjective

  1. of or relating to salt water.

  2. inhabiting salt water.

    a saltwater fish.
saltwater British  
/ ˈsɔːltˌwɔːtə /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or inhabiting salt water, esp the sea

    saltwater fishes
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
saltwater Scientific  
/ sôlt′wô′tər /

  1. Consisting of or living in salty water, especially seawater.

Etymology

Origin of saltwater

First recorded in 1520–30; salt 1 + water

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If guests aren’t entertained enough with the indoor amenities, they can lounge at the 40-foot saltwater pool with solar heating.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

Outside the abode, there is a saltwater infinity pool, which offers breathtaking views from the lounge chairs, and plenty of lush greenery.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

According to lead author Michael Zhdanov, the study marks the first time AEM technology has successfully detected freshwater beneath the thin layer of conductive saltwater at the surface of the Great Salt Lake.

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026

A new saltwater lido on the seafront has also been proposed.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

But Fred liked being carried, and he sprayed a cool saltwater sneeze across her neck.

From "Nim’s Island" by Wendy Orr

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.