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) ( 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

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

At jazz band practice, the teacher, Eva Aneshansley, mindful of spittle, slides a trash can beside a trumpeter.

From New York Times • Oct. 6, 2022

One time, the spittle of a sneezing, sniffling guy somehow went through his mask and landed on my forehead.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 11, 2022

I’d sit in fear, knowing that any minute she would start spraying, and there would be the risk of her spittle landing on my cheek.

From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English