salivate

[sal-uh-veyt]

verb (used without object)

salivated, salivating 

1. to produce saliva.

verb (used with object)

salivated, salivating 

1. to produce an excessive secretion of saliva in, as by mercurial poisoning.

salivate

/ ˈsælɪˌveɪt /

verb

1. (intr) to secrete saliva, esp an excessive amount

2. (tr) to cause (a laboratory animal, etc) to produce saliva, as by the administration of mercury

Other Word Forms

• unsalivated adjective
• unsalivating adjective
• salivation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of salivate¹

1650–60; < Latin salīvātus (past participle of salīvāre to cause to salivate); saliva, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Many in the industry are practically salivating at the prospect of the advertising bonanza a visit from Kelce could entail—especially if Swift were to tag along.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Nebraska ’82,” the 37-track collection, clears the vaults for fans who have been salivating to hear the fabled “electric” recordings with the E Street Band.

Read more on Salon

Just writing about these sour belts is making me salivate.

Read more on Salon

“I don’t even play football,” Taylor said with a laugh after his 9.92, a time that would make any college receivers coach salivate.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

With new, deep-pocketed buyers of film and TV projects taking charge of a major studio, sellers are salivating, even as the company’s employees brace for a significant wave of layoffs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• froth