drool

American  

[drool] / drul /

verb (used without object)

1. to water at the mouth, as in anticipation of food; salivate; drivel.

2. to show excessive pleasure or anticipation of pleasure.

3. to talk foolishly.

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noun

1. saliva running down from one's mouth; drivel.

drool British  

/ druːl /

verb

1. to show excessive enthusiasm (for) or pleasure (in); gloat (over)

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verb

1. another word for drivel drivel drivel

Etymology

Origin of drool

1795–1805; variant of driule, itself variant of drivel

Explanation

The dampness that forms in your mouth when you smell something delicious is drool. When it actually drips from your mouth, you drool. The official term for drool is saliva. Babies drool, dogs drool — we all drool sometimes. Sometimes people drool (or salivate) because of problems with their salivary glands. You might drool when you skip breakfast and your friend offers you a warm, homemade cinnamon roll. The word comes from drivel, which today means "speak nonsense," but originally had the sense of "to slobber or run at the nose."

Example Sentences

They need a sizable guaranteed income, great health care and a comfortable living until they freeze in a blank stare and drool from a podium in the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

From Salon • Aug. 15, 2025

Check out Sussman’s website to drool over his selection and call ahead to see if your favorites are available.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2025

You can drool about the prospect of adding Judge to a lineup that already has Julio Rodriguez; but it’s hard to envision the fit, either financially or being a place Judge would want to come.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 19, 2022

Spanish researchers say they've discovered chemicals in the wax worm's drool that break down polyethylene, a tough and durable material.

From BBC • Oct. 4, 2022

“So they can’t drool on your face,” he’d said.

From "Orphan Island" by Laurel Snyder

Related Words

• salivate