vocal

[ voh-kuhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or uttered with the voice:

   the vocal mechanism;

   vocal criticism.

2. rendered by or intended for singing:

   vocal music.

3. having a voice:

   A dog is a vocal, but not a verbal, being.

4. giving forth sound with or as with a voice.
5. inclined to express oneself in words, especially copiously or insistently:

   a vocal advocate of reform.

   Synonyms: outspoken, vociferous

6. Phonetics.
   1. vocalic ( def 1 ).
   2. voiced.

noun

1. a vocal sound.
2. a musical piece for a singer, usually with instrumental accompaniment. Compare instrumental ( def 6 ).

vocal

/ ˈvəʊkəl; vəʊˈkælɪtɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or designed for the voice

   vocal music

2. produced or delivered by the voice

   vocal noises

3. connected with an attribute or the production of the voice

   vocal organs

4. frequently disposed to outspoken speech, criticism, etc

   a vocal minority

5. full of sound or voices

   a vocal assembly

6. endowed with a voice
7. eloquent or meaningful
8. phonetics
   1. of or relating to a speech sound
   2. of or relating to a voiced speech sound, esp a vowel

noun

1. a piece of jazz or pop music that is sung
2. a performance of such a piece of music

Derived Forms

• vocality, noun
• ˈvocally, adverb

Other Words From

• vo·cal·i·ty [voh-, kal, -i-tee], vo·cal·ness noun
• vo·cal·ly adverb
• non·vo·cal adjective noun
• non·vo·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of vocal¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin vōcālis, equivalent to vōc- (stem of vōx ) voice + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of vocal¹

C14: from Latin vōcālis possessed of a voice, from vōx voice

Example Sentences

LD, a neurological problem where the vocal cords spasm, has drawn more attention since US President-elect Donald Trump appointed Robert F Kennedy Jr - who has the condition - to his new team.

From BBC

But will he be dusting off his vocal chops for another pop cover like in the first film?

From Los Angeles Times

She was forced to give up her business, and an infection during chemotherapy damaged her vocal cords, reducing her voice to a whisper.

From BBC

Duffy, who was one of Trump's most vocal defenders on cable news, is the second Fox commentator to be picked for the incoming cabinet.

From BBC

The Second Lady is also vocal when it comes to party politics - and has embarked on campaign tours for the NPP.

From BBC

Related Words

• articulate
• blunt
• eloquent
• expressive
• forthright
• outspoken
• strident
• vociferous