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

Kirby had previously survived throat cancer, but lost the ability to speak after the removal of his larynx. —Leia Mendoza, Variety, 23 July 2025

Following an injury to his larynx, Harmon — who died in 2023 — was replaced by Leaveil Degree in 1973. —Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 27 June 2025

Cyrus’s revelation of her mutant larynx was meant as a vulnerable offering. —Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 5 June 2025

One was the case of Billy Bennett, who died from cancer of the larynx in 2017. —Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 5 June 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