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Synonyms

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  
/ sôltwô′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.

See Examples For:

A river that is home to about 500 saltwater crocodiles has been given the OK to host Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Brisbane Games.

From BBC Sep. 17, 2026

Although saltwater crocodiles have been legally protected there since 1973, their numbers have shown no measurable recovery.

From Science Daily Sep. 14, 2026

Before starring in “Severance” and “Parks and Recreation,” actor Adam Scott was a self-described outcast making saltwater taffy on the Santa Cruz, Calif., boardwalk.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 25, 2026

But warmer oceans are also often bereft of the high-energy prey these juvenile salmon need for rapid growth when they reach the saltwater.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 29, 2026

“Jersey’s got saltwater taffy and hoagies. Perfect for the Jersey Shore.”

From "Paradise on Fire" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

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