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

Symptoms most often include cough, sputum production, shortness of breath, and fever. —Judy Stone, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025

Coughing up blood or sputum (plhegm from deep inside the lungs) ▪ Night sweats, weight loss and loss of appetite. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 1 May 2025

Similarly, another case-finding program supported by USAID in 27 of Pakistan’s districts has ceased, along with the means of transporting sputum samples, and community monitoring that aims to identify any barriers to TB treatment, Kinz ul Eman, CEO of the Dopasi Foundation, told CNN. —Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025

Typically, the choice of antibiotics is guided by culturing a sputum sample and testing it against a variety of antibiotics to see which will kill the bugs that have grown in the culture. —Judy Stone, Forbes, 22 Feb. 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)