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 For the few buyers who plan to take their Wolf off-roading, the G-Wagen’s short wheelbase, solid-axle articulation, and both front and rear cable-locking differentials combine to create a capable rig. Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2024 The disconnecting stabilizer bars operated smoothly, providing an extra 2.45 inches of wheel articulation through deep ruts and potholes. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 1 Feb. 2024 This image shows the Uni Wheel concept in three different stages of articulation. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 1 Dec. 2023 The articulation is also very involved and sophisticated, which is good because in the games this is an agile mobile suit. Ollie Barder, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024 Many of these progressive Jews have been told since birth that Israel is an inextricable component of their Jewish self-image; their activism ought best be understood as an articulation of their Jewishness rather than a repudiation of it. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 15 Feb. 2024 That sounds awfully nefarious, but it should be understood less as a statement of desire to break down democratic conventions than as an articulation of the problem radical reformers face. Noah Rothman, National Review, 18 Jan. 2024 Moreover, Cooper nails the embodiment of the famed musician, from his signature articulation down to his cigarette holding. Clayton Davis, Variety, 27 Sep. 2023 But it is grounded in the articulation of those frustrations and listening to them, listening to those frustrations and intentionally seeking those places of common ground. Robert Jimison, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2023

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

Dictionary Entries Near articulation

Cite this Entry

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

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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