spittle

American  

[spit-l] / ˈspɪt l /

noun

1. saliva; spit.

2. Entomology. the frothy secretion exuded by spittlebugs.

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spittle British  

/ ˈspɪtəl /

noun

1. the fluid secreted in the mouth; saliva or spit

2. Also called: cuckoo spit.   frog spit.  the frothy substance secreted on plants by the larvae of certain froghoppers

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Etymology

Origin of spittle

1470–80; blend of Middle English spit (noun) ( see spit ¹) and spetil, Old English spǣtl, variant of spātl saliva

Example Sentences

“Peacemaker” creator James Gunn is fully aware of the music’s association with stinky Spandex, spittle and sloppy beer drunks.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2025

I learned how to inject different kinds of medication into Paul’s stomach tube and use a type of dentistry device to suction the spittle accumulating in his mouth.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2025

Measles, which can be prevented by vaccination, is an airborne disease spread by the coughs, sneezes and spittle of those infected.

From Washington Times • Jun. 3, 2023

Some high school coaches might spray spittle and strain their vocal cords in a postgame meeting afterward.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2023

He leaned forward so his spittle would hit the emissary’s chicken pie.

From "The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge" by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin