vocal

¹vo·cal

adjective \ˈvō-kəl\

Definition of VOCAL

1

a : uttered by the voice : oral

b : produced in the larynx : uttered with voice

2

: relating to, composed or arranged for, or sung by the human voice <vocal music>

3

: vocalic

4

a : having or exercising the power of producing voice, speech, or sound

b : expressive

c : full of voices : resounding

d : given to expressing oneself freely or insistently : outspoken <a highly vocal critic>

e : expressed in words

5

: of, relating to, or resembling the voice <vocal impairment>

— vo·cal·i·ty \vō-ˈka-lə-tē\ noun

— vo·cal·ly \ˈvō-kə-lē\ adverb

Examples of VOCAL

1. music with vocal and instrumental parts
2. She is a vocal critic of the new law.
3. He was very vocal in his criticism of me.

Origin of VOCAL

Middle English, from Latin vocalis, from voc-, vox voice — more at voice

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to VOCAL

Synonyms

oral, spoken, uttered, voiced

Antonyms

nonvocal

Related Words

articulated, enunciated, pronounced, sonant; breathed, chirped, drawled, gasped, intoned, mouthed, mumbled, murmured, muttered, purred, shouted, spluttered, sputtered, squeaked, whispered

Near Antonyms

inarticulate; mute, quiet, silent; unexpressed, unsaid, unspoken, unuttered, unvoiced; surd, voiceless

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue

Rhymes with VOCAL

focal, local, socle, yokel

²vocal

noun

Definition of VOCAL

1

: a vocal sound

2

: a usually accompanied musical composition for the human voice : song; also : a performance of such a composition

Examples of VOCAL

1. <a recording artist who arranges his own vocals>

First Known Use of VOCAL

1582

Related to VOCAL

Synonyms

ballad, ditty, jingle, lay, lyric, song

Related Words

anthem, cantata, canticle, carol, chorale, hymn, noel, psalm, spiritual; dirge, lament, requiem, threnody; hallelujah, paean; aria, art song, barcarole (or barcarolle), blues, chanson, chant, chantey (or chanty or shanty), chorus, croon, descant (also discant), folk song, glee, lullaby, madrigal, motet, part-song, pop, rocker, round, roundelay, serenade, standard; drinking song, fight song; torch song; cover, medley, remix

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue

vo·cal

adjective \ˈvō-kəl\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of VOCAL

1

: uttered by the voice : oral

2

: having or exercising the power of producing voice, speech, or sound

3

: of, relating to, or resembling the voice <vocal dysfunction due to throat infection>

—vo·cal·i·ty \vō-ˈkal-ət-ē\ (audio pronunciation) noun, plural ; vo·cal·i·ties

—vo·cal·ly \ˈvō-kə-lē\ (audio pronunciation) adverb