vocal

1 of 2

adjective

vo·​cal ˈvō-kəl 

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

c

: expressive

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

: vocalic

vocality

vō-ˈka-lə-tē 

noun

vocally

ˈvō-kə-lē 

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

Synonyms of vocal

Adjective

• voiced
• spoken
• uttered
• oral

Noun

• ballad
• song
• lyric
• hymn

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

Politically, Azerbaijan has been vocal about its energy support of Ukraine, especially during the Russia war. — Daniel Markind, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

But few CEOs have been more vocal about their disdain for bad meetings than JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026

Noun

At times, Sixx’s backing vocals were easier to make out than Neil’s lead. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 18 Aug. 2026

Unlike other music expert podcasts, this one is stripped of any mansplaining or ego — picture just a bunch of music lovers in a room, sitting by a fire and going deep on how young Bob Weir’s vocals sounded in 1970. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2026

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

Phrases Containing vocal

• vocal cords
• vocal folds

Rhymes for vocal

• cloacal
• focal
• local
• sokol
• confocal
• nonlocal
• multifocal
• univocal

Kids Definition

vocal

1 of 2 adjective

vo·​cal ˈvō-kəl 

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

-kə-lē 

adverb

vocal

2 of 2 noun

1

: a vocal sound

2

: a piece of vocal music

Medical Definition

vocal

adjective

vo·​cal ˈvō-kəl 

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

vō-ˈkal-ət-ē 

noun

plural vocalities

vocally

ˈvō-kə-lē 

adverb