A receptacle for spit (saliva); especially, one used by people using chewing tobacco or snuff.
spittoons
Definition, parts of speech, synonyms, and sentence examples for spittoons.
Editorial note
Then someone has to empty the spittoons, people will use them as urinals and garbage cans, etc.
Quick take
A receptacle for spit (saliva); especially, one used by people using chewing tobacco or snuff.
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of spittoons gathered in one view.
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for spittoons.
noun
A receptacle for spit (saliva); especially, one used by people using chewing tobacco or snuff.
Example sentences
Then someone has to empty the spittoons, people will use them as urinals and garbage cans, etc.
In the 19th century when spittoons were a thing in the US, TB ran rampant.
For instance factories are required by law to provide spittoons, they need to be updated.
It’s my impression snuff and chewing tobacco beside being a bit gross (spittoons) it causes mouth cancer in some fraction of users.
Better yet would be to ban the practice entirely; spittoons in the US (think generic wild west saloons) were a major source of spreading diseases like tuberculosis.
That tradition consisted of the Senators getting so drunk during sessions they used to throw up in those spittoons as they were deciding the fate of the plebs.
Now that I read up about it more it seems they were meant as spittoons for tobacco spit/juice but were often used as urinals too.
Though in the past it may not be as private as you might think...the United States Senate has spittoons spread across the Senate Chamber as they are considered a Senate tradition.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use spittoons in a sentence?
Then someone has to empty the spittoons, people will use them as urinals and garbage cans, etc.
What does spittoons mean?
A receptacle for spit (saliva); especially, one used by people using chewing tobacco or snuff.
What part of speech is spittoons?
spittoons is commonly used as noun.