vocal

1 of 2

adjective

vo·​cal ˈvō-kəl How to pronounce vocal (audio)
1
a
: uttered by the voice : oral
b
: produced in the larynx : uttered with voice
2
a
: given to expressing oneself freely or insistently : outspoken
a highly vocal critic
b
: having or exercising the power of producing voice, speech, or sound
d
: full of voices : resounding
e
: expressed in words
3
: relating to, composed or arranged for, or sung by the human voice
vocal music
4
: of, relating to, or resembling the voice
vocal impairment
5
vocality noun
vocally adverb

vocal

2 of 2

noun

1
: a vocal sound
2
: a usually accompanied musical composition for the human voice : song
also : a performance of such a composition

Examples of vocal in a Sentence

Adjective music with vocal and instrumental parts She is a vocal critic of the new law. He was very vocal in his criticism of me. Noun a recording artist who arranges his own vocals
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Liam Payne had long been vocal about his struggles with mental health and addiction before his death on Oct. 16 at age 31. Angel Saunders, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024 While McGarvey is vocal about his opposition, other members of Kentucky's federal Republican lawmakers expressed support for the amendment. Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 17 Oct. 2024
Noun
Though the production is a bit more midtempo, his vocals are passionate and loaded with conviction. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 18 Oct. 2024 Most vocals were recorded in Manhattan’s Power Station studios, with some sessions taking place in Los Angeles or, in the case of Marc Anthony, Miami. Juan A. Ramírez, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vocal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vocal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin vocalis, from voc-, vox voice — more at voice

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

circa 1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vocal was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near vocal

Cite this Entry

“Vocal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vocal. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

vocal

1 of 2 adjective
vo·​cal ˈvō-kəl How to pronounce vocal (audio)
1
: uttered by the voice : oral
2
: composed or arranged for or sung by the human voice
vocal music
3
: speaking freely or loudly : outspoken
a vocal opponent of the new law
4
: of, relating to, or resembling the voice
vocally adverb

vocal

2 of 2 noun
1
: a vocal sound
2
: a piece of vocal music

Medical Definition

vocal

adjective
vo·​cal ˈvō-kəl How to pronounce vocal (audio)
1
: uttered by the voice : oral
2
: having or exercising the power of producing voice, speech, or sound
3
: of, relating to, or resembling the voice
vocal dysfunction due to throat infection
vocality noun
plural vocalities
vocally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on vocal

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