seltzer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium (B2-C1)Informal to neutral; common in everyday, culinary, and commercial contexts.
Quick answer
What does “seltzer” mean?
Carbonated water.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Carbonated water; water artificially charged with carbon dioxide gas, typically served plain or as a mixer for drinks.
A generic term for carbonated or sparkling water, often used to refer specifically to plain, unflavored versions. Historically, from a specific brand of mineral water from Niederselters, Germany.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'seltzer' is a less common, somewhat Americanized term. 'Sparkling water' or 'fizzy water' is preferred. In American English, 'seltzer' is a standard, widely used term.
Connotations
In the US, it can have a slightly old-fashioned or generic connotation compared to modern brands like 'LaCroix' (flavored seltzer). In the UK, using 'seltzer' might sound specifically American or refer to a particular type of imported product.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English. In UK corpus data, 'sparkling water' vastly outnumbers 'seltzer'.
Grammar
How to Use “seltzer” in a Sentence
[drink/have/pour] + seltzer[mix/shoot] + whiskey + with + seltzer[prefer] + seltzer + to + [soda/tonic]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “seltzer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard as a verb in BrE)
American English
- (Rare as a verb; 'to seltzer' might mean to carbonate or add seltzer to)
adjective
British English
- They ordered a seltzer water.
- (More common as a noun adjunct)
American English
- A seltzer bottle exploded in the fridge.
- She prefers the seltzer taste over club soda.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the beverage industry, marketing for low-calorie drink options.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical texts about food/drink or chemistry contexts discussing carbonation.
Everyday
Common in social settings, restaurants, and home use: 'Would you like seltzer or tap water?'
Technical
In food science, may be specified by its CO2 content or mineral composition.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “seltzer”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “seltzer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “seltzer”
- Using 'seltzer' to refer to tonic water (which is bitter and sweetened).
- Pronouncing it with a /z/ sound (like 'selzer') instead of the correct /ts/ sound.
- Capitalizing it as a proper noun (Seltzer) when used generically.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Club soda usually has added minerals like sodium bicarbonate, giving it a slightly salty taste. Seltzer is typically just carbonated water, though the terms are often used interchangeably in casual speech.
You can, but it may be marked as an Americanism. 'Sparkling water' or 'fizzy water' is more commonly understood and used.
Plain seltzer has no calories, sugar, or sweeteners. Flavored seltzers may contain natural flavors but are typically still calorie-free, unlike sodas or tonic water.
It comes from 'Selterser Wasser,' named after the springs in Nieder-Selters, Germany, which produced naturally carbonated mineral water that was widely exported.
Carbonated water.
Seltzer is usually informal to neutral; common in everyday, culinary, and commercial contexts. in register.
Seltzer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛltsə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛltsər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Whiskey and seltzer (a classic drink order)”
- “A shot and a seltzer (a chaser)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SELTZER as 'SELT' (like 'salt' in mineral water) + 'ZER' (the fizz sound 'ssssss-er').
Conceptual Metaphor
HEALTH/CLEANLINESS (often perceived as a healthier, purer alternative to sugary sodas).
Practice
Quiz
In a typical American restaurant, if you ask for 'seltzer,' what are you most likely to receive?