What does salivating mean?
Salivating means causing saliva to flow, most often because food, a smell, or an image is unusually appealing. Its figurative use describes something so enticing that it makes someone eager to eat, possess, or experience it: a “salivating photograph” of a dessert, for example, or a “salivating aroma” from a bakery. The word can also describe literal drooling, as in a salivating dog, although that use is less common in everyday discussion. Because saliva is associated with hunger and physical desire, salivating often conveys a heightened, almost involuntary response. It is especially natural in descriptions of food and cuisine, but it can also be applied metaphorically to attractive people, exciting scenes, or desirable opportunities. The term is vivid rather than highly formal and is particularly effective when the reaction it describes is immediate and intense.
Causing saliva to flow or making someone feel eager to eat or desire something.
"He gave her a salivating smile before ordering the dessert."
Often used figuratively for food, attractive people, or enticing images; the tone can be playful or sensual.
The present participle of salivate; secreting or producing saliva.
"The dog stood by the table, salivating at the smell of dinner."
From Latin saliva, meaning “spittle,” the word evokes the involuntary mouth-watering response to something especially delicious.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does salivating come from?
The word comes through English salivation and salivate from Latin salivare, meaning “to secrete saliva.” The Latin root saliva means “spittle” or “saliva,” and the English forms salivate, salivating, saliva, and salivary belong to the same word family. English has used salivate since the early 17th century, while salivating developed as a present-participle form and later became common as an adjective.
Related word forms
How salivating is actually used
Salivating is vivid and often slightly informal. Figurative uses, especially for food, attractive people, or exciting images, can carry a playful or sensual tone.
Easily confused with salivating
Salivating refers to producing saliva or making someone eager to eat or desire something, whereas saturating means filling something completely or making it thoroughly wet.