salivate

verb

sal·​i·​vate ˈsa-lə-ˌvāt How to pronounce salivate (audio)
salivated; salivating

intransitive verb

1
: to have a flow of saliva especially in excess
2
: to show great desire or anticipation : drool
salivation noun
salivator noun

Examples of salivate in a Sentence

The smell alone was enough to make me salivate. She was salivating at the prospect of traveling to Europe.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Purchasing champions and forging new ones seems perfectly suited to take advantage of the kind of microtransaction activity gaming companies salivate over. Ash Parrish, The Verge, 30 Oct. 2024 This one, with its many, many pockets, reminds me of the multi-pocket Jil Sander bags from the early 2000s that every Depop girlie is salivating over right now. Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2024 Along with the jersey, Sotheby’s upcoming sale is featuring a handful of other Jordan items that collectors will likely be salivating over. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2024 What to watch: Anti-Trump Republicans — a cohort that swelled in the aftermath of Jan. 6 — are salivating at the prospect of reclaiming their party. Justin Green, Axios, 6 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for salivate 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of salivate was circa 1706

Dictionary Entries Near salivate

Cite this Entry

“Salivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/salivate. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

salivate

verb
sal·​i·​vate ˈsal-ə-ˌvāt How to pronounce salivate (audio)
salivated; salivating
: to produce or secrete saliva especially in large amounts
salivation noun

Medical Definition

salivate

verb
sal·​i·​vate ˈsal-ə-ˌvāt How to pronounce salivate (audio)
salivated; salivating

transitive verb

: to produce an abnormal flow of saliva in (as by the use of mercury)

intransitive verb

: to have a flow of saliva especially in excess

More from Merriam-Webster on salivate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!