Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sweet, carbonated beverage: A flavored, non-alcoholic drink made with carbonated water, sweeteners, and often flavorings or syrups.
   • (Chemistry) Sodium carbonate: A white, alkaline compound (Na₂CO₃) used in manufacturing processes like making glass, paper, and soaps.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Beverage):
  • Would you like a soda with your meal?
  • She ordered a lemon-lime soda.
• Noun (Chemical Compound):
  • Soda is a key ingredient in traditional glassmaking.
  • The recipe calls for washing soda to soften the water.

Advanced Usage

• "Soda" vs. regional terms: In some regions of the United States, this beverage is called "pop" or "coke" (generically).
  • In parts of the Midwest, they say "pop" instead of "soda".
• "Ice cream soda": A dessert drink made with soda, syrup, and ice cream.
  • He enjoyed a chocolate ice cream soda at the old-fashioned diner.

Variants and Related Words

• Soda water (n): Plain carbonated water, often used as a mixer or to make soda.
  • He mixed whiskey with soda water.
• Baking soda (n): Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), used in baking and as a household cleaner.
  • Baking soda helps the cake rise.
• Washing soda (n): Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), used as a cleaning agent.
  • Washing soda is effective for removing stains.

Synonyms

• Pop (n, informal): A sweet carbonated beverage.
• Soft drink (n): A non-alcoholic, carbonated beverage.
• Tonic (n, regional): Used in some areas like New England to refer to a soda.

Related Phrases

• Soda fountain: A counter or establishment where sodas, ice cream drinks, and other treats are served.
  • They met at the vintage soda fountain.
• Soda jerk (n, historical): A person who operated a soda fountain.
  • The soda jerk skillfully made the milkshake.

Noun

1. a sweet drink containing carbonated water and flavoring
   • in New England they call sodas tonics
2. a sodium salt of carbonic acid; used in making soap powders and glass and paper