What does drool mean?
Drool is an informal English word with two closely linked uses. As a verb, its literal meaning is to let saliva run uncontrollably from the mouth — something babies, sleeping people, and dogs famously do. Figuratively, it describes showing eager, uncritical enthusiasm or desire, most often in the phrase 'drool over': fans drool over celebrities, collectors drool over rare finds, and reviewers can drool over new gadgets. This figurative use carries a mildly mocking tone, implying that the admiration is excessive or lacking in dignity. As a noun, drool simply means the saliva itself. The word emerged in American English in the nineteenth century and has since spread throughout the English-speaking world. Its expressive sound makes it a favorite in vivid, colloquial writing, though more formal contexts typically prefer 'salivate' or 'excessive saliva'.
To let saliva flow from the mouth, typically involuntarily; figuratively, to show excessive or slavering desire or admiration.
"He drooled over the vintage sports car in the showroom window."
The figurative sense almost always takes the preposition 'over'.
Saliva that runs or drips from the mouth.
"She wiped the drool from the corner of the sleeping toddler's mouth."
Usually uncountable; the informal plural 'drools' occasionally appears in casual speech.
Rarely used; 'drool' is normally uncountable when referring to saliva. The plural appears mainly in informal or humorous contexts.
"The puppy left little drools on the couch cushion."
Babies do it, dogs do it, and Pavlov's dogs made it science — but 'drool' only entered English in the 1800s, making it a surprisingly young word for such an ancient habit.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of drool
The verb 'drool' appeared in English during the first half of the nineteenth century, with earliest recorded use in American writing. Its origin is uncertain: lexicographers generally treat it as an expressive or imitative formation, possibly influenced by or blended from the older words 'drivel' and 'drawl', both of which involve slow, uncontrolled sounds or secretions. It later developed the figurative sense of excessive admiration, which is well established by the twentieth century.
Related word forms
How drool is actually used
Register is informal to neutral. The figurative sense ('to drool over something') is common in journalism and casual speech and carries a connotation of undignified, excessive enthusiasm. In British English, 'slobber' and 'drivel' overlap in both senses.
Easily confused with drool
Drivel means foolish or nonsensical talk (or, as a verb, to speak such nonsense), while drool refers specifically to saliva flowing from the mouth or excessive adoration.