articulation

noun

ar·​tic·​u·​la·​tion (ˌ)är-ˌti-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce articulation (audio)
1
a
: a joint or juncture between bones or cartilages in the skeleton of a vertebrate
b
: a movable joint between rigid parts of an animal
2
a
: the action or manner of jointing or interrelating
the articulation of the limbs
b
: the state of being jointed or interrelated
3
a
: the act of giving utterance or expression
b
: the act or manner of articulating sounds
c
: an articulated utterance or sound
specifically : consonant
4

Examples of articulation in a Sentence

The book is the articulation of his vision. her boyfriend's articulation of his feelings for her was very touching
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Speech problems are common in people with Parkinson’s disease and are characterized by a weak, sometimes nasal or monotonous voice with imprecise articulation. Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 28 July 2025 Start with pain point articulation, take screenshots of evidence, and focus on making your ideal client feel seen. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025 But getting back to more of a Bratz aesthetic, the company added more articulation and more elaborate, fashion-forward outfits. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025 Over loose gravel and tricky articulations, the new Quad showed its ability to lean on those tires with grip while quickly cutting power to those left hanging in the air. Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for articulation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English articulacioun, borrowed from Latin articulātiōn-, articulātiō "jointed structure, division into joints," from articulāre "to divide into distinct parts" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at articulate entry 1

First Known Use

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

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

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Cite this Entry

“Articulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/articulation. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

articulation

noun
ar·​tic·​u·​la·​tion (ˌ)är-ˌtik-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce articulation (audio)
1
: the making of articulate sounds (as in pronunciation)
2
: a joint between rigid parts of an animal
especially : one between bones or cartilages

Medical Definition

articulation

noun
ar·​tic·​u·​la·​tion (ˌ)är-ˌtik-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce articulation (audio)
1
: the action or manner in which the parts come together at a joint
a sketch showing the articulation of the limbs
2
a
: a joint between bones or cartilages in the vertebrate skeleton that is immovable when the bones are directly united, slightly movable when they are united by an intervening substance, or more or less freely movable when the articular surfaces are covered with smooth cartilage and surrounded by a joint capsule see amphiarthrosis, diarthrosis, synarthrosis
b
: a movable joint between rigid parts of any animal (as between the segments of an insect appendage)
3
a
: the act or manner of articulating
b
: an articulated utterance or sound
4
a(1)
: the act of properly arranging artificial teeth
(2)
: an arrangement of artificial teeth

More from Merriam-Webster on articulation

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