vomit

1 of 2

verb

vom·​it ˈvä-mət 

vomited; vomiting; vomits

intransitive verb

1

: to disgorge the stomach contents

2

: to spew forth : belch, gush

transitive verb

1

: to disgorge (the contents of the stomach) through the mouth

2

: to eject violently or abundantly : spew

3

: to cause to vomit

vomiter noun

vomit

2 of 2

noun

1

: an act or instance of disgorging the contents of the stomach through the mouth

also : the disgorged matter

2

: emetic

Synonyms of vomit

Verb

• hurl
• puke
• heave
• gag
• barf
• retch

Examples of vomit in a Sentence

Verb

The dog vomited on the floor.

The patient was vomiting blood.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

An audience member who fled to the bathroom to vomit was swiftly set upon by an actor trying to incorporate them into a scene. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 30 May 2026

If your dog’s panting is accompanied by episodes of collapse, pale or blue-tinged gums, inability to walk, vomiting, or not eating, take it to an emergency clinic immediately. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026

Noun

Ebola is a highly contagious virus and can be contracted from bodily fluids such as vomit, blood or semen. —ABC News, 26 May 2026

The Ebola virus is spread through close contact with sick or deceased patients’ bodily fluids, such as sweat, blood, feces or vomit. —Justin Kabumba, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French vomite, from Latin vomitus, from vomere to vomit; akin to Old Norse vāma seasickness, Greek emein to vomit

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for vomit

• comet
• grommet
• recommit

Kids Definition

vomit

1 of 2 noun

vom·​it ˈväm-ət 

: an act of throwing up the contents of the stomach through the mouth

also : the matter thrown up

vomit

2 of 2 verb

: to throw up the contents of the stomach through the mouth

vomiter noun

Medical Definition

vomit

1 of 2 noun

vom·​it ˈväm-ət 

1

: vomiting

2

: stomach contents disgorged through the mouth

called also vomitus

vomit

2 of 2 intransitive verb

: to disgorge the stomach contents

transitive verb

: to disgorge (the contents of the stomach) through the mouth