vocable

noun

vo·​ca·​ble ˈvō-kə-bəl How to pronounce vocable (audio)
: term
specifically : a word composed of various sounds or letters without regard to its meaning

Examples of vocable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The birds’ phrasings are both melodic and mechanical, cyclical and spontaneous, like the wordless vocables of scat singers. New York Times, 11 Feb. 2020

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Latin vocabulum, from vocare to call, from vox voice — more at voice

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vocable was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near vocable

Cite this Entry

“Vocable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vocable. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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