salivate

verb

sal·​i·​vate ˈsa-lə-ˌvāt How to pronounce salivate (audio)
salivated; salivating
Synonyms of salivatenext

intransitive verb

1
: to have a flow of saliva especially in excess
2
: to show great desire or anticipation : drool
salivation
ˌsa-lə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce salivate (audio)
noun
salivator
ˈsa-lə-ˌvā-tər How to pronounce salivate (audio)
noun

Synonyms of salivate

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Examples of salivate in a Sentence

The smell alone was enough to make me salivate. She was salivating at the prospect of traveling to Europe.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But that isn’t stopping Wall Street from salivating about what comes next. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026 Rivian fans have been salivating over the R3X since it was first teased earlier that year. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 11 June 2026 While Matuidi said France has a shot at the title, Zonderwijk imagined a scenario that would make collectors salivate. — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 To longtime fans, the prospect of any new material from the late legend is rightful cause to salivate, but as the artist's discerning offspring, Tim wasn't entirely sold at first that there was something worth sharing there. — Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for salivate

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of salivate was circa 1706

Rhymes for salivate

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Browse Nearby Words

salivary gland
salivate
saliva test
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Salivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/salivate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

salivate

verb
sal·​i·​vate ˈsal-ə-ˌvāt How to pronounce salivate (audio)
salivated; salivating
: to produce or secrete saliva especially in large amounts
salivation
ˌsal-ə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce salivate (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

salivate

verb
sal·​i·​vate ˈsal-ə-ˌvāt How to pronounce salivate (audio)
salivated; salivating

transitive verb

: to produce an abnormal flow of saliva in (as by the use of mercury)

intransitive verb

: to have a flow of saliva especially in excess

More from Merriam-Webster on salivate

Nglish: Translation of salivate for Spanish Speakers

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