Spit: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is commonly used in everyday speech to describe the act of forcibly expelling saliva or another substance from the mouth. It often carries a casual or neutral tone.

• He had to spit out the bitter medicine.
• Please don’t spit on the sidewalk.

This term is more clinical and formal, often used in medical contexts to describe the act of clearing mucus or phlegm from the throat or lungs.

• The doctor asked the patient to expectorate into a container for testing.
• She had a bad cold and was constantly expectorating.

Spew implies a forceful and rapid expulsion of something, often in large quantities. It can be used to describe not just saliva, but also other substances like vomit or even metaphorically for words or emotions. It often has a negative connotation.

• The volcano began to spew lava.
• He spewed venomous words during the argument.

Sputter describes an irregular, interrupted expelling of liquid, often accompanied by a choking or cough-like sound. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a shaky or disorganized attempt at speech or action.

• The old engine began to sputter and finally died.
• He sputtered a few weak excuses before admitting the truth.

Used in everyday informal settings to describe the act of forcibly ejecting saliva from the mouth.

• He spit on the ground to show his disgust.
• Please don't spit in public places.

Scientific or formal term for the clear liquid produced in the mouth that helps with digestion and keeps the mouth moist.

• Saliva is essential for the initial stages of digestion.
• She wiped her baby's saliva with a tissue.

Medical term for the thick mucus produced by the respiratory system, especially when someone is sick.

• The doctor examined the phlegm sample to diagnose the illness.
• You should drink warm fluids to help clear your phlegm.

Similar to phlegm, but used more in medical or clinical contexts to describe mucus that is coughed up from the lower airways of the respiratory tract.

• The laboratory analyzed the sputum for signs of infection.
• Patients with respiratory issues may produce increased sputum.