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Drool: meaning, definitions and examples

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drool

 

[druːl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

while eating

To allow saliva to flow out of one's mouth due to hunger or excitement.

Synonyms

dribble, salivate, slobber.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drool

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
slobber

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
salivate

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
dribble

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

Examples of usage

  • The delicious smell of the food made him drool uncontrollably.
  • The baby started to drool when she saw the tasty treat.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

Drool is the saliva flowing out of one's mouth involuntarily.

Synonyms

saliva, slobber, spit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drool

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.
saliva

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.
spit

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.
slobber

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.

Examples of usage

  • Excessive drool can be a sign of certain medical conditions.
  • The nurse wiped the drool from the patient's chin.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'drool' comes from the Middle English 'drollen' which means to dribble or let saliva fall.
  • The term has been used in English since the 15th century, originally relating to the act of drooling as a sign of helplessness.
  • Humans and animals have a common physiological response that leads to drooling, especially when anticipating food.

Biology

  • Saliva helps in the digestion of food and starts breaking it down before it even reaches the stomach.
  • Certain animals, like dogs, drool more when excited or anxious, which is linked to their instinctual responses to food and temperature.
  • Drooling is a natural reflex; it can occur during sleep, especially if someone sleeps with their mouth open.

Pop Culture

  • In cartoons, characters often drool when they see something delicious or attractive, exaggerating the response for comedic effect.
  • Drooling is used in various TV shows and movies to depict characters’ unwitting clumsiness or childish fascination.
  • Popular memes often feature exaggerated drooling faces, inspired by the humorous side of overindulgence.

Psychology

  • Drooling can be linked to classical conditioning; individuals start to associate food visuals with saliva production.
  • Some studies suggest that excessive drooling can be symptomatic of anxiety or ADHD in children, highlighting a connection between emotions and physical responses.
  • Psychologists consider the act of drooling as part of the stages of infant development, where it signifies oral exploration and the emergence of chewing skills.

Health

  • Many medical conditions can lead to excessive drooling, including neurological disorders, allergies, and dental issues.
  • Certain medications can increase saliva production, which is a side effect that can lead to drooling in adults.
  • For some people, drooling while sleeping may be treated with mouth guards or specific therapies to prevent liquid seepage.

Translations

Translations of the word "drool" in other languages:

🇵🇹 baba

🇮🇳 लार

🇩🇪 Sabber

🇮🇩 air liur

🇺🇦 слина

🇵🇱 ślina

🇯🇵 よだれ

🇫🇷 bave

🇪🇸 baba

🇹🇷 salya

🇰🇷 침

🇸🇦 لعاب

🇨🇿 slina

🇸🇰 slina

🇨🇳 口水

🇸🇮 slina

🇮🇸 munnvatn

🇰🇿 сілекей

🇬🇪 ნერწყვი

🇦🇿 tüpürcək

🇲🇽 baba

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,241 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.