vowel

noun

vow·​el ˈvau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce vowel (audio)
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

Examples of vowel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Who has the most wins while barefoot and with three or more tattoos and a first name that ends in a consonant but a last name that ends in a vowel? Dalton Ross, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024 The Clue: This Wordle has two vowels in a row and two consonants in a row. Erik Kain, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 That means The Accused does not begin with a vowel, while A Simple Plan does. Joe Reid, Vulture, 4 July 2024 The Clue: This Wordle has far more consonants than vowels. Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vowel 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French vowele, from Latin vocalis — more at vocalic

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vowel was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near vowel

Cite this Entry

“Vowel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vowel. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

vowel

noun
vow·​el ˈvau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce vowel (audio)
1
: a speech sound produced without obstruction or audible friction in the mouth
2
: a letter (as a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y) representing a vowel

More from Merriam-Webster on vowel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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