vocalize

vo·cal·ize | \ ˈvō-kə-ˌlīz

How to pronounce vocalize (audio)

\

vocalized; vocalizing

Definition of vocalize

transitive verb

1 : to give voice to : utter specifically : sing

2a : to make voiced rather than voiceless : voice

b : to convert to a vowel

3 : to furnish (something, such as a consonantal Hebrew or Arabic text) with vowels or vowel points

intransitive verb

1 : to utter vocal sounds

2 : sing specifically : to sing without words

Other Words from vocalize Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about vocalize

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Examples of vocalize in a Sentence

The male bird vocalizes to attract a mate. she's not one to vocalize her worries

Recent Examples on the Web And the guy who most loudly vocalized his support for doubling in this situation, Noah, has been in the league three times as long as Booker and was once the Defensive Player of the Year. — Khadrice Rollins, SI.com, "Devin Booker Might Hate Double Teams, But He Might As Well Get Used to Them," 20 Aug. 2019 The 42-year-old rapper, who recently released his latest album Jesus Is King, certainly hasn’t been shy to vocalize his controversial opinions as of late. — Joelle Goldstein, PEOPLE.com, "Kim Kardashian 'Doesn’t Want to Change' Kanye West Amid His Outspoken Opinions: 'She Supports Him'," 31 Oct. 2019 Schilling has remained active on Twitter, often to vocalize his support for President Donald Trump. — BostonGlobe.com, "Retired ace Curt Schilling is interested in interviewing for the Red Sox’ pitching coach job and/or the Phillies’ managerial opening,," 12 Oct. 2019 There are future Bieniemys and Staleys within their ranks, and even just vocalizing the issue could force those in power to take it more seriously. — Samer Kalaf, The New Republic, "The NFL Owners’ Unyielding Commitment to White Coaches," 13 Jan. 2020 For the first time, researchers appear to have evidence that, like animals, plants can audibly vocalize their agony when deprived of water or forced to endure bodily harm. — Katherine J. Wu, Smithsonian, "Plants May Let Out Ultrasonic Squeals When Stressed," 2 Dec. 2019 When asked how communicating in ASL alters his experience with scripture, Gideon Firl instructed an interpreter who had been vocalizing Firl’s signs to stop. — Washington Post, "At Gallaudet University, deaf culture and faith mix," 28 Dec. 2019 What also struck me was his hesitation to vocalize his goals. — Hayes Gardner, The Courier-Journal, "Morning Coffee: Charles Bassey's injury latest example of tenuous path to NBA," 10 Dec. 2019 The first step in manifesting your dreams or desires is to vocalize them. — Tamara Fuentes, Seventeen, "Exclusive: Millie Bobby Brown Opens Up About Using Social Media for Good and The Importance of Self-Care with Her BFF Miquela," 13 Nov. 2019

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

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Dictionary Entries near vocalize

vocal qualifier

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Last Updated

17 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Vocalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vocalize. Accessed 26 Feb. 2020.

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