What does spit mean?
To spit is to eject saliva or another liquid from the mouth, although the verb can also describe speaking with contemptuous hostility. Its basic physical sense is straightforward, but in figurative use it often conveys disgust, defiance, or aggression. “Spit something out” can additionally mean to say information quickly or bluntly, and “spit at someone” implies open contempt. The related noun “spit” commonly means saliva, but it also has several smaller established uses: a light shower of rain, a narrow projection of land, and a pointed rod for roasting meat. The word is familiar in everyday British and American English and can sound forceful or rude depending on context, tone, and the speaker's intention.
To eject saliva or another liquid from the mouth; to spray or emit small droplets; or to express contemptuous hostility in words.
"He turned away and spat on the ground."
In figurative contexts, “spit” is strongly contemptuous and often more confrontational than “speak” or “say.”
Saliva, especially when ejected from the mouth. The word can also mean a light rain, a narrow projection of land, or a pointed rod for holding meat over a fire.
"The dog was barred from the table, its tongue hanging out and dripping spit."
The basic noun is usually uncountable when referring to saliva, though countable uses occur in the separate senses of a land projection or a roasting rod.
The plural is used for countable instances, such as narrow projections of land or roasting rods; saliva is normally uncountable.
"Several spits of land extend into the bay."
“Spit” can describe both an everyday physical action and a sharp, contemptuous way of speaking—sometimes the same fierce energy makes both possible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spit come from?
The verb descends from Old English spittan, used for ejecting saliva, while the noun is recorded in Old English as spyt. Both forms ultimately relate to a Germanic word family associated with the act of spitting. English later developed several related forms, including spittle and spitter, while cognate terms in other Germanic and Romance languages reflect the same broader idea.
Related word forms
How spit is actually used
The verb is neutral in the sense of ejecting saliva but is more commonly pejorative when describing hostile or contemptuous speech. “Spit out” also informally means to say or deliver something quickly, often with impatience. “Within spitting distance” is a familiar expression meaning very close.
Easily confused with spit
A spurt is a sudden brief burst of activity or liquid, whereas a spit is saliva ejected from the mouth.
Spat is the past tense and past participle of spit; in formal legal and financial contexts, it can also mean a lawsuit or an estimate of costs.