noun
spittoon
spih-TOON
Spittoon (noun) means a container for spitting into, traditionally used by people chewing tobacco or taking snuff. Example: “The old saloon still had a brass spittoon standing by the bar.”
noun
1
A container for spitting into, traditionally used by people chewing tobacco or taking snuff.
"The old saloon still had a brass spittoon standing by the bar."
"He kept a spittoon beside his chair while he chewed tobacco."
"Museum visitors were shown an antique spittoon from the collection."
How to use spittoon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA pot for spitting into, especially when chewing tobacco.
When to use it
Spittoon is a plain, everyday noun with no particular formal or informal marking.
Memory tip
The -oon ending here simply turns the verb spit into the name of the object used for it.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
brass spittoon
spit into a spittoon
an old spittoon
spittoon by the bar
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The old saloon still had a brass _____ standing by the bar.
Etymology
The word is formed in English by adding the ending -oon to spit.
Synonyms
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cuspidor
spit bucket
Rhymes for spittoon
See all rhymes for spittoon →Frequently asked questions
What is a spittoon used for?
A spittoon is a container people spit into, especially when chewing tobacco or taking snuff.
What is another word for spittoon?
Cuspidor is a well-known alternative name for a spittoon.
Where does the word spittoon come from?
It is simply the word spit with the ending -oon added to form a noun.
What is the meaning of spittoon?
"spittoon" (noun) means a container for spitting into, traditionally used by people chewing tobacco or taking snuff.
