What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
saline
Example
The nurse cleaned the wound with a saline solution. [saline: noun]
Example
The patient was given an IV drip of saline to rehydrate. [saline: adjective]
saltwater
Example
The beach was crowded with people swimming in the saltwater. [saltwater: noun]
Example
The fisherman caught a large tuna in the saltwater. [saltwater: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Saltwater is more commonly used than saline in everyday language since it refers to a natural phenomenon that is more familiar to people. Saline is a more specialized term used primarily in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between saline and saltwater?
Saline is a more formal term used in medical or scientific contexts, while saltwater is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
