slobber: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowinformal
Quick answer
What does “slobber” mean?
To let saliva or liquid fall from the mouth in an uncontrolled way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To let saliva or liquid fall from the mouth in an uncontrolled way.
To show excessive emotion or enthusiasm in a messy or undignified manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely similar, but 'slobber' is slightly more common in American English when referring to pets, while British English might use 'dribble' interchangeably.
Connotations
Generally negative, associated with messiness, excess, or lack of refinement.
Frequency
More frequent in informal speech and contexts involving animals or children; rare in formal writing.
Grammar
How to Use “slobber” in a Sentence
slobber over somethingslobber on somethingslobber at the sight of somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “slobber” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The dog slobbered all over my trousers.
- He slobbered over his meal like a starved animal.
American English
- The puppy slobbered on the new rug.
- She slobbered with joy when she saw the dessert.
adverb
British English
- He ate slobberingly, leaving a mess on the table.
- The dog gazed slobberingly at the bone.
American English
- She talked slobberingly about her favorite band.
- The child ran slobberingly towards the candy store.
adjective
British English
- The slobbering hound was banished to the garden.
- He gave a slobbering kiss to the baby.
American English
- The slobbering infant needed a bib immediately.
- Her slobbering enthusiasm was a bit much.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; inappropriate in formal business communication.
Academic
Seldom used; may appear in biological or medical contexts discussing salivation.
Everyday
Common in informal speech, especially when describing pets, babies, or messy eating.
Technical
Used in veterinary or medical fields to refer to excessive drooling or sialorrhea.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “slobber”
- Using 'slobber' in formal writing where 'drool' might be more neutral.
- Confusing 'slobber' (verb) with 'slob' (noun meaning a messy person).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and typically used in casual or colloquial contexts.
Yes, as a noun, it refers to saliva that has fallen from the mouth, e.g., 'There was slobber on the floor.'
'Slobber' often implies a messier or more excessive action, while 'drool' is more neutral and common in both formal and informal settings.
Associate it with 'slob' – a messy person who might slobber, or think of a dog drooling excessively.
To let saliva or liquid fall from the mouth in an uncontrolled way.
Slobber: in British English it is pronounced /ˈslɒbə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈslɑːbər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “slobber all over the place”
- “slobber like a hungry dog”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'slob' + 'ber' – a slob often slobbers when eating messily.
Conceptual Metaphor
Emotion or desire as a fluid that leaks out uncontrollably, symbolizing lack of restraint.
Practice
Quiz
What is the core meaning of 'slobber'?