vocality

[ voh-kal-i-tee ]

noun

1. the fact of being related to, uttered with, or suggestive of the human voice:

   Telemann’s oboe concertos explore the vocality of the instrument through a number of movements in recitative, arioso, and aria style.

2. use of the voice as an aspect of human cultural and social activity; speech or singing:

   Vocality is one of the greatest gifts in our possession.

3. the fact or quality of having a voice of a unique or particular character; a particular way of speaking or singing:

   The ethereal quality of the film score is reinforced by the angelic vocality of the singer.

4. Sometimes vo·cal·ness []. the fact or quality of being able or inclined to express oneself in words:

   There are a number of ways you can encourage your child’s vocality and help coax the words out.

5. Phonetics.
   1. the fact or quality of being a vowel or like a vowel:

      Determining the vocality of the second element in these Lithuanian diphthongs is key for the question of syllable structure.

   2. (of a consonant) the fact or quality of being voiced, or involving vibration of the vocal cords:

      Every consonant, made with or without vocality, derives its character from obstructive action by the organs of the mouth.

Other Words From

• non·vo·cal·i·ty noun
• non·vo·cal·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vocality¹

vocal ( def ) + -ity ( def )

Example Sentences

The staging of “Momma, Look Sharp” is hauntingly anchored by Smith’s solemn bearing and supple vocality.

From Washington Post

He was playing nearly every minute on a focused, driven team and used his newfound vocality to lead the Chargers to the state playoffs.

From Washington Times

Let your partner know that you’re into making noise, but that your vocality doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve orgasmed.

From Slate

I’m hearing the subtlety, the inflection, the vibrato, the cadence, just the rhythm of one’s vocality.

From New York Times

“In reaction to a sharpening sense of white nationalist identity across America and Europe, there is a growing consciousness of the importance of visibility and vocality for people of color, particularly black people,” Ms. Miles said.

From New York Times