glottis

noun

glot·​tis ˈglä-təs 

plural glottises or glottides ˈglä-tə-ˌdēz 

: the elongated space between the vocal cords

also : the structures that surround this space compare epiglottis

Examples of glottis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Because at the same time, the change in pressure causes the opening between your vocal cords, called the glottis, to snap shut. — Marisa Sloan, Discover Magazine, 25 Jan. 2023

Your glottis, which is the space between your vocal cords, then closes, preventing any further air from entering. — Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 23 July 2022

Basically, the glottis opens and closes, building up and releasing pressure, resulting in purrs. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 5 Oct. 2023

There is typically a sound made, as the air is expelled through the (initially closed) glottis; however, most people can override this reflex and sneeze without making any noise from the vocal cords. — Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 28 Oct. 2022

Finally, the glottis bursts open, sending air explosively through the nose and mouth at tremendous speed — almost 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour), according to the 2025 review. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek glōttid-, glōttís "upper end of the trachea at the root of the tongue," from glôtta, Attic variant of glôssa "tongue" + -id-, -is, noun suffix — more at gloss entry 3

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for glottis

• epiglottis
• serratus
• supraspinatus

Kids Definition

glottis

noun

glot·​tis ˈglät-əs 

plural glottises or glottides ˈglät-ə-ˌdēz 

: the long opening between the vocal cords in the larynx

glottal

ˈglät-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

glottis

noun

glot·​tis ˈglät-əs 

plural glottises or glottides -ə-ˌdēz 

: the space between one of the true vocal cords and the arytenoid cartilage on one side of the larynx and those of the other side

also : the structures that surround this space compare epiglottis