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
Not everyone infected with TB gets symptoms, but those with active cases can suffer from a persistent cough, including coughing up blood or sputum, chest pain, fever, and fatigue.
—
Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
The respiratory specimen can be obtained through the sputum.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
But ultimately the only way to definitively diagnose Legionnaires’ Disease is to find Legionella bacteria in your sputum.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Other medical artifacts on view include glass sputum bottles, a baby incubator, stethoscopes, a nursing uniform and contraceptive devices.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sputum
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Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
The respiratory specimen can be obtained through the sputum.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
But ultimately the only way to definitively diagnose Legionnaires’ Disease is to find Legionella bacteria in your sputum.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Other medical artifacts on view include glass sputum bottles, a baby incubator, stethoscopes, a nursing uniform and contraceptive devices.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sputum
Cite this Entry
“Sputum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sputum. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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)
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