sputum

noun

spu·​tum ˈspyü-təm 

ˈspü-

plural sputa ˈspyü-tə 

ˈspü-

also sputums

: matter expectorated from the respiratory system and especially the lungs that is composed of mucus but may contain pus, blood, fibrin, or microorganisms (such as bacteria) in diseased states

Examples of sputum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Yeast from urine or sputum is often reported without that precision, and only gradually have labs adopted the methods that distinguish Candida auris from commoner relatives, so those counts climb partly as testing improves. — John Drake, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Doctors typically use a skin or blood test to detect TB infection, followed by imaging or sputum (mucus) testing to confirm active disease, per the CDC. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2026

The main symptoms include shortness of breath and a cough, which may produce bloody sputum—symptoms that can easily be mistaken for flu. — Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2025

Nearly three-quarters of diagnoses still depend on sputum microscopy, a method first introduced around 140 years ago, that can miss active cases. — CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from neuter of sputus, past participle of spuere to spit — more at spew

First Known Use

circa 1693, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sputum

• scutum
• mesoscutum

Kids Definition

sputum

noun

spu·​tum ˈsp(y)üt-əm 

plural sputa -ə 

: material that is spit or coughed up from the lungs and bronchi and is made up mostly of mucus

Medical Definition

sputum

noun

spu·​tum ˈsp(y)üt-əm 

plural sputa -ə 

: matter expectorated from the respiratory system and especially the lungs in diseased states that is composed of mucus but may contain pus, blood, fibrin, or microorganisms (as bacteria)