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
For accompaniment, Urban chooses only his solo electric guitar, offering a rare moment to pristinely experience the superstar’s vocal and instrumental gifts, as well as Dillon’s exquisite lyrics. Nancy Kruh, Peoplemag, 24 Sep. 2024 Younger employees, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are vocal about their expectations that employers positively impact society or the environment. Tracy Lawrence, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024
Noun
Emily Armstrong’s vocals really fit will within in the band and her chemistry with Mike Shinoda’s style seems to work well, although everything does sound a bit predictably ‘Linkin Park’ at times. Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 The song also boasts choir vocals from the LA Palestinian Kids Choir, Lifted! Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 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 7 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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