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

Alcohol played a major role in deaths from malignant tumors in the head and neck, including lip, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and cancer of the esophagus. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

The sounds of the terror bird (phorusrhacids) was based on a prototype, which was modeled on the larynx of an extinct terror bird species. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

Ten to 20 pounds of pressure can damage the throat or larynx area. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

With the larynx low, the tongue shifted partially into the oropharynx. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

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