Vomit vs. Spit Up — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 18, 2023
Vomit involves forceful expulsion of stomach contents; spit up is a gentle overflow from a baby's mouth.
Difference Between Vomit and Spit Up
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Vomit typically refers to the forceful ejection of stomach contents through the mouth. It can be a result of various causes, such as illness, food poisoning, or other factors. Spit up, conversely, usually pertains to infants who experience a mild overflow of stomach contents from their mouths, especially after feeding.
While vomit can be experienced by anyone, regardless of age, and can often be accompanied by nausea or discomfort, spit up is commonly observed in babies. Spit up is generally effortless and happens without much notice from the infant, unlike the distinct sensation preceding vomiting.
The consistency and appearance can vary between vomit and spit up. Vomit can contain partially digested food, bile, and may be more acidic. On the other hand, spit up usually appears milky, especially if the baby is breastfed or bottle-fed.
The frequency and volume can also be distinguishing factors. Vomit might be less frequent but more voluminous and intense. In contrast, spit up may happen more regularly, especially after meals, but typically involves a smaller amount.
Concerning medical implications, frequent vomit might signal an underlying health issue that needs attention, while occasional spit up is generally considered normal for babies and usually doesn't indicate any health concerns.
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Comparison Chart
Age Group
All ages
Typically infants
Forcefulness
Forceful ejection
Gentle overflow
Common Causes
Illness, food poisoning, etc.
Feeding, overfeeding
Appearance
Partially digested food, bile
Milky, resembles feed
Medical Implications
Can indicate health issues
Usually normal for babies
Compare with Definitions
Vomit
Forceful expulsion of stomach contents.
After eating spoiled food, she began to vomit.
Spit Up
Regurgitation of a small amount of feed.
Ensure the baby is burped to reduce the chances of spit up.
Vomit
Discharging undigested food or liquid.
The dog vomited after eating something from the trash.
Spit Up
A baby's way of expelling excess milk.
She always keeps a cloth handy in case her son spits up.
Vomit
Throwing up due to illness or discomfort.
The flu caused him to vomit multiple times.
Spit Up
Gentle release of milk post feeding.
It's normal for infants to spit up occasionally.
Vomit
A reflex action to eject harmful contents.
Consuming excessive alcohol can lead to vomiting.
Spit Up
Mild overflow of stomach content from a baby's mouth.
After her feeding, the baby spit up a little milk.
Vomit
To eject part or all of the contents of the stomach through the mouth, usually in a series of involuntary spasmic movements.
Spit Up
Effortless reflux in babies.
Don't worry if your baby spits up; it's a common occurrence.
Vomit
To be discharged forcefully and abundantly; spew or gush
The dike burst, and the floodwaters vomited forth.
Spit Up
(informal) Digestive fluids and other stomach contents which are regurgitated or vomited, especially by a child.
Vomit
To eject (contents of the stomach) through the mouth.
Vomit
To eject or discharge in a gush; spew out
The volcano vomited lava and ash.
Vomit
The act or an instance of ejecting matter from the stomach through the mouth.
Vomit
Matter ejected from the stomach through the mouth.
Vomit
An emetic.
Vomit
(intransitive) To regurgitate or eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth; puke.
Vomit
(transitive) To regurgitate and discharge (something swallowed); to spew.
Vomit
To eject from any hollow place; to belch forth; to emit.
Vomit
The regurgitated former contents of a stomach; vomitus.
Vomit
The act of regurgitating.
Vomit
The act of vomiting
Vomit
(obsolete) That which causes vomiting; an emetic.
Vomit
To eject the contents of the stomach by the mouth; to puke; to spew.
Vomit
To throw up; to eject from the stomach through the mouth; to disgorge; to puke; to spew out; - often followed by up or out.
The fish . . . vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.
Vomit
Hence, to eject from any hollow place; to belch forth; to emit; to throw forth; as, volcanoes vomit flame, stones, etc.
Like the sons of Vulcan, vomit smoke.
Vomit
Matter that is vomited; esp., matter ejected from the stomach through the mouth.
Like vomit from his yawning entrails poured.
Vomit
That which excites vomiting; an emetic.
He gives your Hollander a vomit.
Vomit
The matter ejected in vomiting
Vomit
A medicine that induces nausea and vomiting
Vomit
The reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth
Vomit
Eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth;
After drinking too much, the students vomited
He purged continuously
The patient regurgitated the food we gave him last night
Vomit
Ejecting contents from the stomach through the mouth.
The roller coaster's motion made him feel nauseous and eventually vomit.
Common Curiosities
What is Spit Up?
A mild overflow of stomach contents from an infant's mouth, often post feeding.
What is Vomit?
The forceful ejection of stomach contents through the mouth.
Is it normal for babies to Spit Up frequently?
Occasional spit up is normal, but if it's very frequent or voluminous, consult a pediatrician.
Is Vomit always a sign of illness?
Not always; it can result from various causes, including overeating or motion sickness.
Can certain foods trigger Vomiting?
Yes, especially if one has allergies, intolerances, or consumes spoiled food.
Can adults Spit Up like babies?
Adults usually don't "spit up" like infants; they might vomit instead.
What can cause a person to Vomit?
Illness, food poisoning, certain medications, and excessive alcohol, among other factors.
Is Vomit always a thick consistency?
No, vomit can vary in consistency based on what was consumed and how long ago.
How can I differentiate between Vomit and Spit Up in babies?
Vomit is forceful and might be larger in volume, while spit up is a gentler, smaller overflow.
Do all babies Spit Up?
Most babies spit up occasionally, but not all do.
How can I prevent Vomiting?
Depending on the cause, prevention might involve avoiding certain foods, medications, or other triggers.
Should I be worried if my baby Spits Up after every feed?
Occasional spit up is normal, but frequent occurrences should be discussed with a pediatrician.
Is there a difference in color between Vomit and Spit Up?
Vomit can vary in color, while spit up is usually milky, especially in breastfed or bottle-fed babies.
Are there remedies to reduce the chances of Vomiting?
Depending on the cause, remedies might include hydration, certain medications, or rest. Always consult a doctor for persistent symptoms.
Does laying a baby down after feeding increase Spit Up?
Yes, it's recommended to keep the baby upright for a while post feeding to reduce spit up.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
