What does vomit mean?
Vomit is a direct, vivid English word with two related roles. As a verb, it means to expel the contents of the stomach through the mouth, often suddenly and involuntarily. As a noun, it can denote either the act itself or the material expelled. The word is occasionally transitive, as in expressions such as vomiting blood, although it is also widely used intransitively. In figurative use, a person may be said to vomit words, accusations, propaganda, or information, suggesting a forceful and often disorderly outpour. This use is generally contemptuous rather than complimentary. Although medical writers often prefer the formal term emesis, vomit remains natural in everyday conversation and has the advantage of being immediate and unmistakable. Its historical connection with the Latin verb meaning to spew forth also makes it a memorable example of how bodily language can extend into criticism of speech and writing.
To expel the contents of the stomach through the mouth, or to express words or information forcefully and often contemptuously.
"He woke up ill and began vomiting."
The figurative sense is usually derogatory and suggests an uncontrolled or excessive outpour.
The act of vomiting, the material expelled from the stomach, or a forceful and contemptuous discharge of words or information.
"There was vomit across the floor and a strong smell in the room."
The noun is commonly uncountable when referring to the act or substance; plural usage is comparatively rare.
The plural is grammatically standard but uncommon; singular or uncountable constructions are usually more natural.
"Several vomits were logged during the night."
Vomit can describe the body's most forceful reflex, ugly speech, or even a flood of bad data—proving that one word can be useful in unusually vivid ways.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vomit come from?
Vomit entered Middle English during the medieval period through French forms ultimately derived from Latin vomere, meaning to spew forth. Latin also had the more frequentative form vomitare, from which the English verb developed. Related English words such as vomitory and vomitive preserve the same ancient root.
Related word forms
How vomit is actually used
Vomit is standard but blunt and informal; in medical contexts, emesis is more formal. Its figurative uses are usually derogatory, especially when describing angry, exaggerated, or contemptuous speech.