Definition of vowel
1 : one of a class of speech sounds in the articulation of which the oral part of the breath channel is not blocked and is not constricted enough to cause audible friction; broadly : the one most prominent sound in a syllable
2 : a letter or other symbol representing a vowel —usually used in English of a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y
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Recent Examples of vowel from the web
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Studies commonly cite more than 100 consonants, and some say there are as many as 164 consonants and 44 vowels.
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Linguists say the regional dialect emerged during the New High German Diphthongization in the Middle Ages, when south-westerners spun off their own approach to vowels.
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That’s the crux of Shaw’s presciently modern plot, which in part uses vowels to examine class differences, with a feminist angle.
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Oal-é is often jokingly referred to as i-oo-my’a, which is a satirical nod to the grain’s vowel-heavy moniker.
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HANGMAN: Flummox your child by coming up with words that have few real vowels.
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Origin and Etymology of vowel
Middle English, from Anglo-French vowele, from Latin vocalis — more at vocalic
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
VOWEL Defined for English Language Learners
vowel
playDefinition of vowel for English Language Learners
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: a speech sound made with your mouth open and your tongue in the middle of your mouth not touching your teeth, lips, etc.
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: a letter (such as a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y in English) that represents a vowel
VOWEL Defined for Kids
vowel
playDefinition of vowel for Students
1 : a speech sound (as \ə\, \ā\, or \ȯ\) produced without obstruction in the mouth
2 : a letter (as a, e, i, o, u) representing a vowel
Learn More about vowel
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See words that rhyme with vowel Spanish Central: Translation of vowel Nglish: Translation of vowel for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of vowel for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vowel
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