vomit

1 of 2

verb

vom·​it ˈvä-mət 

vomited; vomiting; vomits

intransitive verb

1

: to disgorge the stomach contents

2

: to spew forth : belch, gush

transitive verb

1

: to disgorge (the contents of the stomach) through the mouth

2

: to eject violently or abundantly : spew

3

: to cause to vomit

vomiter noun

vomit

2 of 2

noun

1

: an act or instance of disgorging the contents of the stomach through the mouth

also : the disgorged matter

2

: emetic

Synonyms

Verb

• barf
• gag
• heave
• hurl
• puke
• retch
• spew
• spit up
• throw up
• upchuck

Examples of vomit in a Sentence

Verb

The dog vomited on the floor.

The patient was vomiting blood.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Afterwards, Underwood shared a few fun tidbits from her early days, like how former host Sharon Osbourne vomited on her during their first meeting at the Beverly Hills Hotel. —Lynette Rice, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024

Dogs and alcohol don't mix either; alcohol poisoning can make dogs vomit and lose coordination—and even put them in a coma. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024

Noun

The virus is in the stool or vomit of infected people and can transfer onto their hands or mouth. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024

In a new study, scientists analyzed hundreds of fossilized droppings and vomit, called bromalites, to reconstruct dinosaur food webs, uncovering how they were influenced by climate and by other species’ extinction. —Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French vomite, from Latin vomitus, from vomere to vomit; akin to Old Norse vāma seasickness, Greek emein to vomit

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

vomit

1 of 2 noun

vom·​it ˈväm-ət 

: an act of throwing up the contents of the stomach through the mouth

also : the matter thrown up

vomit

2 of 2 verb

: to throw up the contents of the stomach through the mouth

vomiter noun

Medical Definition

vomit

1 of 2 noun

vom·​it ˈväm-ət 

1

: vomiting

2

: stomach contents disgorged through the mouth

called also vomitus

vomit

2 of 2 intransitive verb

: to disgorge the stomach contents

transitive verb

: to disgorge (the contents of the stomach) through the mouth