expectorate

[ ik-spek-tuh-reyt ]

verb (used without object)

, ex·pec·to·rat·ed, ex·pec·to·rat·ing.

1. to eject or expel matter, as phlegm, from the throat or lungs by coughing or hawking and spitting; spit.

verb (used with object)

, ex·pec·to·rat·ed, ex·pec·to·rat·ing.

1. to eject or expel (matter) in this way.

expectorate

/ ɪkˈspɛktəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to cough up and spit out (sputum from the respiratory passages)

Derived Forms

• exˌpectoˈration, noun
• exˈpectoˌrator, noun

Other Words From

• ex·pecto·rator noun
• unex·pecto·rated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of expectorate¹

1595–1605; < Latin expectorātus (past participle of expectorāre to expel from the breast), equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + pector- (stem of pectus ) breast + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of expectorate¹

C17: from Latin expectorāre, literally: to drive from the breast, expel, from pectus breast

Example Sentences

Others freely hissed, booed, cheered, stamped, applauded, threw things, ate, talked and expectorated their way through performances.

From Salon

The cricket authorities are considering barring players from spitting on the ball, Cricinfo reported, given the potential health concerns of multiple players handling a ball that others have expectorated on.

From New York Times

When Andrei blasts Matvey with a shotgun, blowing apart one of his sofa cushions, which in turn expectorates a bunch of American dollars, those deeper motives becomes obvious.

From New York Times

I saw a guy do that the other day as he waited to cross 14th Street NW: just casually expectorate a globule into the gutter.

From Washington Post

The worshipers continued to attend Sunday services, expectorating and spreading the virus as hundreds of congregants loudly sang and prayed in the tightly seated church.

From New York Times