voc·a·tive
| \ ˈvä-kə-tiv
\
\
Definition of vocative
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: of, relating to, or being a grammatical case (see case entry 1 sense 3a) marking the one addressed (such as Latin Domine in miserere, Domine "have mercy, O Lord")
2
of a word or word group
: marking the one addressed (such as mother in "mother, come here")
vocative
nounDefinition of vocative (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: the vocative case of a language
2
: a form in the vocative case
Keep scrolling for more
Learn More about vocative
Dictionary Entries near vocative
See More Nearby EntriesStatistics for vocative
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“Vocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vocative. Accessed 16 Apr. 2021.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Comments on vocative
What made you want to look up vocative? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
The Exceptions Quiz III
-
- Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share vocative
Time Traveler for vocative
The first known use of vocative was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century