drooling

word · lemma: drool

/ˈdɹuɫɪŋ/
DROO-ling
/dɹˈuːlɪŋ/
DROO-ling

Definition

Letting saliva come out of your mouth, often by accident or when you see or think about something you really want (like delicious food). It can be used literally for physical drooling, or figuratively when someone strongly desires something.

Usage & Nuances

Often describes babies or pets, but also adults when strongly hungry or wanting something. Used literally (actual saliva) or figuratively ('drooling over' a new phone). Usually informal. Collocations: 'the dog is drooling', 'drooling over food'.

Example Sentences

The baby is drooling on her shirt.

basic

The dog keeps drooling on the floor.

basic

He was drooling as he watched the pizza.

basic

Stop drooling over the new phone—you just bought one!

natural

We were all drooling at the smell of fresh bread.

natural

He stared at the dessert, practically drooling with anticipation.

natural