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 The Clue: This Wordle has far more consonants than vowels. Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 In a 2017 paper, Everett and colleagues analyzed thousands of languages from two databases and found support for the idea that languages in very dry places rely less on vowels than languages in humid areas. Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 Her characters would crash down on consonants, as though landing a plane in the midst of an engine blowout or stretch out vowels in defiance of several laws of physics. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024 The Clue: This Wordle ends with a letter that is considered a vowel in this context. Erik Kain, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vowel 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vowel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 5 Nov. 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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