nonvocal

adjective

non·​vo·​cal ˌnän-ˈvō-kəl How to pronounce nonvocal (audio)
: not vocal: such as
a
: not uttered by the voice
nonvocal communication
b
: not relating to, composed or arranged for, or sung by the human voice
nonvocal music recordings
c
: not having or exercising the power of producing voice, speech, or sound
nonvocal patients
d
: not outspoken
How does the nonvocal majority make a difference?Denise Barbour

Examples of nonvocal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In 2020 scientists compared phylogenies of around 1,800 vocal and nonvocal species and estimated that acoustic communication arose roughly 100 million to 200 million years ago in association with nocturnal activity. Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 25 Oct. 2022 In recent years, scientists have tested various species and found evidence that nonvocal learners such as sea lions and bonobos have rhythm too. Quanta Magazine, 22 Mar. 2016

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nonvocal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonvocal was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near nonvocal

Cite this Entry

“Nonvocal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonvocal. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

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