larynx

noun

lar·​ynx ˈler-iŋ(k)s 

ˈla-riŋ(k)s

plural larynges lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz  or larynxes

: the modified upper part of the trachea of air-breathing vertebrates that in humans, most other mammals, and some amphibians and reptiles contains the vocal cords

Examples of larynx in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An article from LiveScience, quoting veterinary behaviorist Nicholas Dodman, said that the arrangement of a cat's larynx, trachea and diaphragm is capable of producing a noise like a bark if the feline wishes to do so. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025

According to his family, Tony was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2022 and became mute when his larynx had to be removed. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025

But what about the heart, lungs, larynx, esophagus, stomach, intestines and kidneys? —Ariel Bleicher, Quanta Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025

It is estimated that around 81 percent of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. can be attributed to cigarette smoking, as well as 72 percent of larynx cancer deaths. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin laryng-, larynx, from Greek

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for larynx

• pharynx

Kids Definition

larynx

noun

lar·​ynx ˈlar-iŋ(k)s 

plural larynges lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz  or larynxes

: the upper part of the trachea that in human beings and most mammals contains the vocal cords

called also voice box

Medical Definition

larynx

noun

lar·​ynx ˈlar-iŋ(k)s 

plural larynges lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz  or larynxes

: the modified upper part of the respiratory passage of air-breathing vertebrates that is bounded above by the glottis, is continuous below with the trachea, has a complex cartilaginous or bony skeleton capable of limited motion through the action of associated muscles, and in humans, most other mammals, and a few lower forms has a set of elastic vocal cords that play a major role in sound production and speech

called also voice box