First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1spit
noun \ˈspit\
Definition of SPIT
1
: a slender pointed rod for holding meat over a fire
2
: a small point of land especially of sand or gravel running into a body of water
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SPIT
Middle English, from Old English spitu; akin to Old High German spiz spit, spizzi pointed
2spit
transitive verb
spit·tedspit·ting
3spit
verb
spit or spat \ˈspat\ spit·ting
Definition of SPIT
transitive verb
1
a : to eject (as saliva) from the mouth : expectorate b (1) : to express (unpleasant or malicious feelings) by or as if by spitting (2) : to utter with a spitting sound or scornful expression <spat out his words> c : to emit as if by spitting; especially : to emit (precipitation) in driving particles or in flurries <spit rain>
2
: to set to burning <spit a fuse>
intransitive verb
1
a (1) : to eject saliva as an expression of aversion or contempt (2) : to exhibit contempt b : to eject matter (as saliva) from the mouth : expectorate
2
: to rain or snow slightly or in flurries
3
: to make a noise suggesting expectoration : sputter
— spit it out
: to say what is in the mind without further delay
Origin of SPIT
Middle English spitten, from Old English spittan; akin to Middle High German spiutzen to spit
First Known Use: before 12th century
4spit
noun
Definition of SPIT
1
a (1) : spittle, saliva (2) : the act or an instance of spitting b (1) : a frothy secretion exuded by spittlebugs (2) : spittlebug
2
: perfect likeness
3
: a sprinkle of rain or flurry of snow
First Known Use of SPIT
14th century
SPIT IT OUT Defined for Kids
1spit
verb \ˈspit\
spit or spat \ˈspat\spit·ting
Definition of SPIT for Kids
1
: to force (saliva) from the mouth <He spat on the ground.>
2
: to force (something) from the mouth <Spit out your gum.>
3
: to express by or as if by spitting <He was spitting an angry answer.>
4
: to give off usually briskly : emit <The fire is spitting sparks.> <Then the men were gone … in a vehicle that spit pebbles from its whirling tires. — Lois Lowry, The Giver>
2spit
noun
Definition of SPIT for Kids
1
: saliva
2
: a foamy material given off by some insects
3
: perfect likeness <The child was the spit and image of the parent.>
3spit
noun
Definition of SPIT for Kids
1
: a thin pointed rod for holding meat over a fire
2
: a small point of land that runs out into a body of water
Learn More About SPIT
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up spit? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).