spittle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Medical, Biological, Literary/Archaic
Quick answer
What does “spittle” mean?
Saliva, especially when expectorated.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Saliva, especially when expectorated; spit.
The frothy liquid produced by some insects (e.g., spittlebugs) or used in archaic/poetic contexts to refer to something contemptible or of little worth.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Spit' is the dominant everyday term in both varieties.
Connotations
Both varieties share the formal/technical and slightly archaic feel. Connotations of disgust or contempt are equally present.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday speech in both regions. Slightly more likely in formal medical or biological writing.
Grammar
How to Use “spittle” in a Sentence
N + V (spittle flew)PREP + N (with spittle)N + PREP (spittle of rage)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spittle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The angry speaker spittled his words.
- (Note: 'spittle' as a verb is extremely rare and non-standard; 'spatter' or 'spew' would be used.)
American English
- He was so furious he nearly spittled on the microphone.
- (See UK note.)
adverb
British English
- He spoke spittlingly in his rage. (Non-standard/archaic)
- (Note: No standard adverbial form exists.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form exists.)
adjective
British English
- The spittle-flecked manuscript was carefully handled.
- (Note: Attributive use of noun, not a true adjective.)
American English
- They examined the spittle-covered leaf under a microscope.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in medical, biological (entomology), or historical texts.
Everyday
Rare. 'Spit' is used instead.
Technical
Used in entomology (spittlebug) and some medical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spittle”
- Using 'spittle' in casual conversation where 'spit' is appropriate.
- Misspelling as 'spittle' (correct) vs. 'spitel' or 'spittal' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Spit' is the common, everyday word (both a verb and a noun). 'Spittle' is a more formal, technical, or literary noun for saliva.
It is formal, but the subject matter (saliva) is often considered unpleasant. It is not inherently rude, but it is clinical or dated.
No, 'spittle' is only a noun. The verb is 'spit' (e.g., 'don't spit on the pavement').
Yes, it's the common name for insects in the family Aphrophoridae, whose nymphs produce a frothy, spit-like mass for protection.
Saliva, especially when expectorated.
Spittle is usually formal, medical, biological, literary/archaic in register.
Spittle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɪt.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɪt̬.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “lick someone's spittle (archaic: to be obsequious)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LITTLE SPIT: 'spittle'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTEMPT IS SPITTLE (e.g., 'his words were mere spittle').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'spittle' MOST likely to be used?