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

The writer’s illness — tuberculosis of the larynx — is seen as a particularly cruel horror, albeit one in lockstep with his morbid imagination, which continued to work overtime. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025

Back in 2023, Aerosmith called off their Peace Out … Farewell Tour after three shows because Tyler fractured his larynx onstage. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2025

Responding firefighters discovered Maureen in the living room with severe burns, a fractured larynx and soot in her airway, the DA's office said. —Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 13 Sep. 2025

The report also links alcohol use with a higher risk of death from seven forms of cancer: colorectal, breast, liver, oral, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 12 Sep. 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