subvocal

adjective

sub·​vo·​cal ˌsəb-ˈvō-kəl How to pronounce subvocal (audio)
: characterized by the occurrence in the mind of words in speech order with or without inaudible articulation of the speech organs
subvocally adverb

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web So sweet and angry and brand-new, a kind of subvocal monster simply cooing at the pain and the pleasure of life. Ben Marcus, The New Yorker, 19 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'subvocal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subvocal was in 1843

Dictionary Entries Near subvocal

Cite this Entry

“Subvocal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subvocal. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

subvocal

adjective
sub·​vo·​cal -ˈvō-kəl How to pronounce subvocal (audio)
: characterized by the occurrence in the mind of words in speech order with or without inaudible articulation of the speech organs
subvocally adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


A Good Old-Fashioned Quiz

Spell It

Hear a word and type it out. How many can you get right?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY