vocal

1 of 2

adjective

vo·​cal ˈvō-kəl How to pronounce vocal (audio)
1
a
: uttered by the voice : oral
b
: produced in the larynx : uttered with voice
2
a
: given to expressing oneself freely or insistently : outspoken
a highly vocal critic
b
: having or exercising the power of producing voice, speech, or sound
d
: full of voices : resounding
e
: expressed in words
3
: relating to, composed or arranged for, or sung by the human voice
vocal music
4
: of, relating to, or resembling the voice
vocal impairment
5
vocality noun
vocally adverb

vocal

2 of 2

noun

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 in a Sentence

Adjective music with vocal and instrumental parts She is a vocal critic of the new law. He was very vocal in his criticism of me. Noun a recording artist who arranges his own vocals
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The vocal group performs Motown, old school and R&B hits with tight harmonies and smooth choreography. Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2024 Federal lawmakers have been vocal with their concerns about Chinese company Byte Dance, arguing the Chinese government can access Byte Dance's data — and information about American TikTok users — because the company is subject to Chinese national security law. Alex Thomas, arkansasonline.com, 17 Mar. 2024 While some Nick alumni have been vocal about their experiences for a while, like Nikolas, others, like Bell, will be sharing their stories publicly for the first time. USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2024 Among those workers was Jake Bowman, a knight and vocal union activist who had leveled allegations of horse abuse at the castle. Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Recreation advocates, who were vocal critics of earlier versions of the plan, have been more supportive since city officials increased the plan’s acreage for recreation last year. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024 Tiger Woods, who reportedly turned down $800 million to join LIV golf, and 24-time PGA Winner Rory McIlroy have been among LIV golf’s most vocal critics. Ashan Singh, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2024 Developing countries have expressed outrage — with Malaysia and Indonesia among the most vocal. Patricia Cohen Jes Aznar, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024 Miko’s sweet vocal qualities and the powerful song combine in a wonderful blend of sweet and spicy. Billboard Japan, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024
Noun
With groovy arrangements straddling alternative and R&B and sweet, ethereal vocals, Jade delivers in the tradition of ’90s neo-soul. Ebony Flake, Essence, 18 Mar. 2024 The most vocal of the co-founders, Mikey Shulman, a boyishly charming, backpack-toting 37-year-old with a Harvard Ph.D. in physics, envisions a billion people worldwide paying 10 bucks a month to create songs with Suno. Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2024 Callahan’s vocals get plenty of low-mid richness, while the crisp high-mids provide balance. PCMAG, 17 Mar. 2024 Anthony Almonte: percussion, backing vocals (2023-present). Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 15 Mar. 2024 The 14-song album features work from Cobb (acoustic guitar, eclectic guitar), J.T. Cure (bass), Paul Franklin (pedal steel), Derek Mixon (drums), Morgane (background vocals, synthesizer, tambourine) and Lee Pardini (organ, piano). Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 14 Mar. 2024 Sunny Day Real Estate features original members Jeremy Enigk (vocals/guitar), Dan Hoerner (guitar/vocals) and William Goldsmith (drums). Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 11 Mar. 2024 Grande has become even more of a virtuoso singer, dialing back the showboating and whistle notes and instead using nuance and her complex, interlocking, multi-tracked vocals to create texture and intimacy. Jem Aswad, Variety, 8 Mar. 2024 Crystal trophies will be awarded for best vocals, choreography, costumes, instrumentals, the People’s Choice and Grand Champion. Sue Kiesewetter, The Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vocal.' 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

Adjective

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

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

circa 1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near vocal

Cite this Entry

“Vocal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vocal. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

vocal

1 of 2 adjective
vo·​cal ˈvō-kəl How to pronounce vocal (audio)
1
: uttered by the voice : oral
2
: composed or arranged for or sung by the human voice
vocal music
3
: speaking freely or loudly : outspoken
a vocal opponent of the new law
4
: of, relating to, or resembling the voice
vocally adverb

vocal

2 of 2 noun
1
: a vocal sound
2
: a piece of vocal music

Medical Definition

vocal

adjective
vo·​cal ˈvō-kəl How to pronounce vocal (audio)
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
vocality noun
plural vocalities
vocally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on vocal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!