Top Definitions
Quiz
Related Content
Examples

expectoration

[ ik-spek-tuh-rey-shuhn ]

/ ɪkˌspɛk təˈreɪ ʃən /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for expectoration on Thesaurus.com

noun

the act of expectorating.

matter that is expectorated.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of expectoration

First recorded in 1665–75; expectorate + -ion

Words nearby expectoration

expected utility, expected value, expecting, expectorant, expectorate, expectoration, expediate, expediency, expedient, expediential, expeditate

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use expectoration in a sentence

Are there enough devices to handle the ingestion and expectoration?
How to Survive a Filibuster|Kent Sepkowitz|September 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Truffaldino brought him the vessel, examined the expectoration, and found in it a mass of rancid rotten rhymes.
The Memoirs of Count Carlo Gozzi; Volume the first|Count Carlo Gozzi
The patient was greatly distressed in breathing, in consequence of difficult expectoration.
Harper's New Monthly Magazine, No. VII, December 1850, Vol. II|Various
Not a bad plan, in the circumstances,—especially if you have so wonderful a turn for expectoration by speech.
History of Friedrich II. of Prussia, Vol. XVIII. (of XXI.)|Thomas Carlyle

Towards the end of the year 1783, became affected with slight cough and expectoration of purulent matter.
An Account of the Foxglove and some of its Medical Uses|William Withering
His cough was particularly troublesome in the morning, and was relieved by a free expectoration of frothy mucus.
An Investigation into the Nature of Black Phthisis|Archibald Makellar