Definition

A person or thing that spits, often used in contexts like baseball or to describe someone who expresses anger or contempt verbally.

Example

The pitcher threw a spitter to confuse the batter.

Conversation

Did you see that player throw a spitter last night?

Yeah, it was such a sneaky pitch!

I didn't think he'd actually use a spitter in that situation.

Right? It totally threw off the batter's timing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Spitter is formed from "spit" (from Old English "spittan", meaning to eject saliva or liquid) and "-er" (meaning a person who). The word "spitter" refers to a person or thing that spits.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'ejects' ('spit') something — the '-er' just means a person. A spitter is someone who spits.

Visually Confused Words