sodium

noun

so·​di·​um ˈsō-dē-əm How to pronounce sodium (audio)
1
: a silver-white soft waxy ductile element of the alkali metal group with atomic number 11 that occurs abundantly in nature in combined form and is very active chemically see Chemical Elements Table
2
: salt sense 1a, sodium chloride
—not used technically
reduced her sodium intake
a low-sodium diet

Examples of sodium 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.
Iron emits a golden yellow, nitrogen and oxygen glow red, sodium appears orange, and calcium looks violet. — Michael J. Caduto, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026 In her view, the benefit of rinsing to cut sodium outweighs the small dip in vitamin content. — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026 The new medication, Tylenol with Naproxen, combines 325 milligrams of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and 110 mg of naproxen sodium to provide up to 12 hours of pain relief. — Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2026 Current therapies, stimulants and sodium oxybates, carry risk of misuse, and patients still feel sleepy while taking them. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sodium

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from English soda

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sodium was in 1808

Phrases Containing sodium

Rhymes for sodium

See All Rhymes for sodium

Browse Nearby Words

so disposed
sodium
sodium alum
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Cite this Entry

“Sodium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sodium. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sodium

noun
so·​di·​um ˈsōd-ē-əm How to pronounce sodium (audio)
: a soft waxy silver-white metallic element that is chemically very active and is common in nature in combined form see element

Medical Definition

sodium

noun
so·​di·​um ˈsōd-ē-əm How to pronounce sodium (audio)
: a silver white soft waxy ductile element of the alkali metal group that occurs abundantly in nature in combined form and is very active chemically
—symbol Na see Chemical Elements Table

More from Merriam-Webster on sodium

Nglish: Translation of sodium for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sodium

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