Drool: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used to describe saliva coming out of the mouth unintentionally, typically when someone is very relaxed or sleeping. It can also be used more informally to express extreme desire for something.

• The baby started to drool while napping
• He would drool over the new sports car every time he passed by the dealership

Often used to describe saliva falling from the mouth excessively in a messy or unattractive manner. It typically has a negative connotation and can be used to describe pets or people in a state of high emotional excitement.

• The dog began to slobber all over my shirt
• He slobbered over his favorite celebrity during the meet-and-greet

Formally used to describe the production of saliva in the mouth, often in response to food or the anticipation of food. It can also metaphorically describe strong anticipation or desire for something.

• Seeing the delicious meal made everyone salivate
• Stock investors began to salivate at the prospect of high returns

Usually refers to a small amount of liquid falling slowly in drops. It can also be used in sports, particularly basketball and soccer, to describe controlling the ball with small, quick movements.

• The sauce began to dribble down his chin
• She learned how to dribble the basketball with both hands

Commonly used to describe involuntary flow of saliva from the mouth, often seen in babies, sleeping people, or animals.

• The baby started to drool while sleeping.
• The sight of the delicious food made him drool.

A neutral, scientific term used to describe the liquid produced by glands in the mouth, essential for digestion and oral health.

• Saliva helps break down food and keeps the mouth moist.
• Scientists are studying the enzymes present in saliva.

Describes the act of forcefully ejecting saliva from the mouth, often associated with anger, disrespect, or the need to clear the mouth.

• He had to spit out the bitter medicine.
• In many cultures, spitting in public is considered rude.

Usually refers to excessive saliva that falls freely from the mouth, often in a messy or uncontrolled way, commonly used for animals or in a negative context for people.

• The dog started to slobber all over the new carpet.
• He was so drunk that he began to slobber on his shirt.