WordGarden.iosalivate
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈælɪvˌeɪt/
US
- /ˈsæləˌveɪt/
Meanings
Verb
to produce extra saliva, especially in anticipation of food
to feel intense eager desire for something
Beyond the definition
When something smells really good, like freshly baked cookies or your favorite pizza, your mouth may start making more saliva. That is what this word often describes: a natural body response when food seems delicious and you expect to eat it soon. It can also be used in a wider, more figurative way when someone feels strong excitement about getting something they want.
It also brings to mind Pavlov's famous experiment, where dogs learned to react to the sound of a bell because it had been linked with food. So the next time your mouth starts watering before the first bite, you will know exactly what is happening.
To salivate is to secrete or produce more saliva than usual in the mouth. While we all naturally produce saliva to aid digestion and keep our mouths moist, salivating often happens as a reflex response to something appealing—most commonly food. Imagine biting into a juicy lemon; you might salivate even before the taste hits your tongue!
However, salivation isn't limited to just tasty treats. The word can also be used figuratively to describe intense anticipation or longing for something pleasurable. For example, the sentence "Criminals salivated at the thought of robbing the bank" suggests they were eagerly anticipating the act and its rewards. Similarly, fans might "salivate over the prospect of seeing their favorite band perform live."
The origin of the word comes from the Latin saliva, meaning saliva. It's a biological process that has become associated with desire, anticipation, and even greed. Think about how often we describe something tempting as "mouthwatering"—it's closely linked to the act of salivating!
So whether you're literally drooling over a delicious meal or figuratively anticipating a thrilling event, to salivate is to experience a physical response driven by pleasure, desire, or expectation.
Examples
- 1
Food smell
The smell of garlic bread made me salivate before dinner.
- 2
Animal reaction
The dog started salivating as soon as I opened the bag of treats.
- 3
Described food
Just hearing her describe the mango cake was enough to make us salivate.
- 4
Auction desire
Collectors were salivating over the rare guitar before the auction began.
- Patternsalivate over + wanted thing
want it very much
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Bonus expectation
The sales team is already salivating at the prospect of a big holiday bonus.
- Patternsalivate at the prospect of + desired thing
feel excited desire when thinking about it
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- salivateverb
Forms
- salivating-ing formverb
- salivatedpast tenseverb
- salivatesverb