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

Kirsh can’t resist taunting his foe through milky spittle, reminding Morrow that John Henry died of exhaustion.

From Salon • Sep. 24, 2025

Compared with Pacino’s outraged and outrageous Cohn, spraying a vulgarian’s spittle across Nichols’ magisterial “Angels,” Strong’s performance is a model of white-knuckle control, swaggering when Cohn exerts his power, wilting when he can’t.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2024

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

Dried spittle caked the corners of his mouth.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith