larynx

noun

lar·​ynx ˈler-iŋ(k)s How to pronounce larynx (audio)
ˈla-riŋ(k)s
plural larynges lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz How to pronounce larynx (audio) or larynxes
: the modified upper part of the trachea of air-breathing vertebrates that in humans, most other mammals, and some amphibians and reptiles contains the vocal cords

Examples of larynx in a Sentence

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.
The tribute performance comes after Aerosmith announced its retirement from touring in August 2024 following Tyler's onstage larynx fracture. Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025 While the Turk is relatively well known (even lending its name to Amazon’s program for remote grunt workers), what is less known is that part of the same technological exhibition was a mechanical larynx, composed of a series of rubber flanges and bellows. Adam Verner september 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025 The dual-robot setup allowed Professor Ben Dixon, Director of ENT/Head and Neck Surgery, to remove the tumor with the da Vinci robot while limiting disruption to the tongue, jaw, and larynx. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2025 Aerosmith have been inactive ever since Tyler’s larynx injury ended the band’s 2023 Peace Out…Farewell Tour after a mere three concerts. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for larynx

Word History

Etymology

New Latin laryng-, larynx, from Greek

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of larynx was in 1578

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Larynx.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/larynx. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

larynx

noun
lar·​ynx ˈlar-iŋ(k)s How to pronounce larynx (audio)
plural larynges lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz How to pronounce larynx (audio) or larynxes
: the upper part of the trachea that in human beings and most mammals contains the vocal cords

called also voice box

Medical Definition

larynx

noun
lar·​ynx ˈlar-iŋ(k)s How to pronounce larynx (audio)
plural larynges lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz How to pronounce larynx (audio) or larynxes
: the modified upper part of the respiratory passage of air-breathing vertebrates that is bounded above by the glottis, is continuous below with the trachea, has a complex cartilaginous or bony skeleton capable of limited motion through the action of associated muscles, and in humans, most other mammals, and a few lower forms has a set of elastic vocal cords that play a major role in sound production and speech

called also voice box

More from Merriam-Webster on larynx

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