What does salivated mean?
Salivated means that saliva has been produced or discharged, usually because someone has seen, smelled, or thought about food. The reaction is automatic: the mouth prepares for eating by producing saliva, as a dog may salivate when its bowl is prepared. The word can also imply that saliva is running from the mouth or that something has become wet with it, and in those contexts it may carry a mildly unpleasant or exaggerated tone. Salivated is frequently used figuratively when someone responds enthusiastically to an attractive prospect, such as a meal, a performance, or an opportunity. Although the literal process is ordinary and involuntary, the verb adds vividness by focusing on the immediate physical sign of appetite or anticipation.
To produce and discharge saliva, especially in response to food or the expectation of eating; to drool or become wet with saliva.
"The crowd salivated when the dessert was brought out."
Often describes an involuntary physical response, but can also be used figuratively for eager anticipation.
Having saliva flowing from the mouth or being wet with saliva.
"The bib was soon saturated with the child's salivated hands."
This adjectival use is less common and often implies excessive moisture.
The familiar phrase “my mouth watered” is a polished description of what happens when the body prepares for food.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does salivated come from?
The word comes from English salivate, borrowed from French saliver, which was derived from Latin salivāre, “to salivate.” The Latin verb was based on saliva, meaning “spittle” or “saliva,” the source of the English family saliva, salivary, and salivation. Related forms exist in other Romance languages, including French saliver and Spanish salivar.
Related word forms
How salivated is actually used
In its first sense, the word is often used figuratively for a strong physiological response to food, a thought, or an appealing prospect. In its second sense, it can sound somewhat unpleasant or exaggerated.