larynx

noun

lar·​ynx ˈler-iŋ(k)s 

ˈla-riŋ(k)s

plural larynges lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz  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

It is estimated that around 81 percent of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. can be attributed to cigarette smoking, as well as 72 percent of larynx cancer deaths. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025

Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological disorder that causes muscle spasms in the voice box or larynx, according to the NIH. —Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 29 Jan. 2025

Moderate alcohol drinking was associated with higher risk of breast cancer, but the review couldn’t draw a conclusion on the association between moderate alcohol consumption and cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx and esophagus. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025

Back in January, former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory linking alcohol consumption to the risk of developing seven different types of cancer, including those of the breast, colorectal, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat and voice box (larynx). —Manuela López Restrepo, NPR, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin laryng-, larynx, from Greek

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for larynx

• pharynx

Kids Definition

larynx

noun

lar·​ynx ˈlar-iŋ(k)s 

plural larynges lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz  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 

plural larynges lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz  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