Salivate: meaning, definitions and examples

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salivate

[ˈsæl.ə.veɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in anticipation

To produce saliva in the mouth as a reaction to the sight or smell of food, often as a sign of hunger.

Synonyms

dribble, drip, slobber.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
salivate	Used to describe the production of saliva, often in anticipation of food or something appealing. Just thinking about the delicious steak makes me salivate The dog would salivate every time it heard the dinner bell
dribble	Commonly used to describe a small, uncontrolled flow of liquid, often saliva or water, coming from the mouth or another source. The baby started to dribble as it was teething Water began to dribble from the leaky faucet
slobber	Used to describe excessive drooling, usually in a messy or exaggerated manner. It often has a negative or slightly gross connotation. The dog would slobber all over anyone who came close He was so excited that he couldn't help but slobber all over his shirt
drip	Used to describe liquid falling in drops from a surface or container. Raindrops began to drip from the roof after the storm The paint started to drip from the brush onto the floor

Examples of usage

The delicious aroma from the kitchen made him salivate.
As soon as she saw the chocolate cake, she began to salivate.
I always salivate when I think about my favorite meal.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

medical

To have excessive saliva in the mouth, often due to a medical condition.

Synonyms

drool, spit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
salivate	Use 'salivate' when referring to the production of saliva, often in anticipation of eating something delicious or in response to a pleasant thought. It is generally used in a neutral or positive context. He began to salivate at the sight of the gourmet meal. The dogs salivate when they hear the sound of the food bowls.
drool	Use 'drool' when saliva is flowing from the mouth unintentionally. This can happen to people or animals, often in a context that may be seen as embarrassing or unappealing. It often has a negative or humorous connotation. The baby started to drool all over her new dress. The dog would drool whenever we brought out his leash.
spit	Use 'spit' when referring to the forceful expulsion of saliva or other substances from the mouth. This word can have a negative or aggressive connotation, especially if done in public or towards another person. He was so angry that he spat on the ground. It's rude to spit on the sidewalk.

Word

Description / Examples

salivate

Use 'salivate' when referring to the production of saliva, often in anticipation of eating something delicious or in response to a pleasant thought. It is generally used in a neutral or positive context.

He began to salivate at the sight of the gourmet meal.
The dogs salivate when they hear the sound of the food bowls.

drool

Use 'drool' when saliva is flowing from the mouth unintentionally. This can happen to people or animals, often in a context that may be seen as embarrassing or unappealing. It often has a negative or humorous connotation.

The baby started to drool all over her new dress.
The dog would drool whenever we brought out his leash.

spit

Use 'spit' when referring to the forceful expulsion of saliva or other substances from the mouth. This word can have a negative or aggressive connotation, especially if done in public or towards another person.

He was so angry that he spat on the ground.
It's rude to spit on the sidewalk.

Examples of usage

The medication caused him to salivate uncontrollably.
Some people salivate more when they are nervous.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

informal

To express excessive admiration or desire for something.

Synonyms

covet, crave.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
salivate	Often used to describe the physical reaction of producing saliva, especially when seeing or smelling food. It can also be metaphorically used to describe eager anticipation. Seeing the delicious dessert made me salivate Investors are salivating at the prospect of higher profits
covet	This word has a connotation of desiring something that belongs to someone else and can carry a negative implication of envy or jealousy. She coveted her neighbor's new car It's not good to covet what others have
crave	Used to express a strong desire or longing for something, especially related to food, experiences, or sensations. Pregnant women often crave unusual foods After a long day, I crave some quiet time

Word

Description / Examples

salivate

Often used to describe the physical reaction of producing saliva, especially when seeing or smelling food. It can also be metaphorically used to describe eager anticipation.

Seeing the delicious dessert made me salivate
Investors are salivating at the prospect of higher profits

covet

This word has a connotation of desiring something that belongs to someone else and can carry a negative implication of envy or jealousy.

She coveted her neighbor's new car
It's not good to covet what others have

crave

Used to express a strong desire or longing for something, especially related to food, experiences, or sensations.

Pregnant women often crave unusual foods
After a long day, I crave some quiet time

Examples of usage

He would salivate over the latest gadgets.
She would salivate at the thought of a vacation.

Interesting Facts

Biology

Saliva aids in breaking down food so our bodies can absorb nutrients better.
The average person produces about 1-2 liters of saliva each day, which helps keep our mouths healthy.
Salivary glands in our mouths are stimulated not just by food but also by thinking of food.

Psychology

The act of salivating can be triggered by Pavlovian conditioning, where dogs learned to salivate at the sound of a bell because they associated it with food.
Emotions like hunger and anticipation can increase the urge to salivate, showcasing the mind-body connection.
Certain smells, even those not linked to immediate food, can evoke strong memory associations leading to salivation.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, sharing food often elicits salivation as we anticipate enjoying meals together.
Cookbooks often describe foods in ways that can make readers salivate, enhancing the sensory experience of reading.
In film and literature, descriptions of delicious foods are used to evoke desire, often making the audience salivate vicariously.

Health

Excessive salivation can sometimes indicate medical conditions or reactions to certain medications.
Dry mouth, the opposite of salivation, can lead to difficulties in eating and speaking, highlighting the importance of saliva.
Saliva not only helps in digestion but also protects teeth and gums from decay and infections.

Evolution

Salivation is an ancient biological response that developed as a mechanism to aid in feeding and digestion among various species.
Different animals have evolved varying salivation mechanisms, with some producing more saliva based on diet—like herbivores needing it more for processing plant materials.
Humans developed salivary responses to promote the intake of diverse foods, aiding survival in various environments.

Translations

Translations of the word "salivate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 salivar

🇮🇳 लार टपकाना

🇩🇪 speicheln

🇮🇩 mengeluarkan air liur

🇺🇦 слюніти

🇵🇱 ślinić się

🇯🇵 よだれを垂らす

🇫🇷 saliver

🇪🇸 salivar

🇹🇷 salya akıtmak

🇰🇷 침을 흘리다

🇸🇦 سال لعابه

🇨🇿 slinit

🇸🇰 sliniť sa

🇨🇳 流口水

🇸🇮 sliniti se

🇮🇸 slefa

🇰🇿 сілекей ағызу

🇬🇪 ნერწყვის გამოყოფა

🇦🇿 tükrük ifraz etmək

🇲🇽 salivar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,612, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

...
36609 toted
36610 speakeasy
36611 frolicked
36612 salivate
36613 unbind
36614 satisfyingly
36615 redounded
...