English edit

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /ˈspɪ.t(ə)l/
    • (file)
  • Rhymes: -ɪtəl

Etymology 1 edit

Alteration of dialectal spattle (by association with spit (noun)), from Old English spātl, which is related to spǣtan (whence spit (verb)).

Noun edit

spittle (countable and uncountable, plural spittles)

  1. Spit, usually frothy and of a milky coloration.
  2. Something frothy and white that resembles spit.
  3. Spit-up or drool of an infant.
Derived terms edit
Translations edit

Etymology 2 edit

Noun edit

spittle (countable and uncountable, plural spittles)

  1. (now archaic) Alternative form of spital
    • a. 1633, George Herbert, The Thanksgiving:
      I'll build a spittle, or mend common ways []

Etymology 3 edit

Representing a frequentative form of spit (a spade's depth), equivalent to spit +‎ -le.

Noun edit

spittle (countable and uncountable, plural spittles)

  1. A small sort of spade.

Verb edit

spittle (third-person singular simple present spittles, present participle spittling, simple past and past participle spittled)

  1. To dig or stir with a small spade.

Anagrams edit