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

Emergency responders crushed his larynx while delivering life-saving aid and instantly altered his trajectory. —Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 6 May 2026

Scott Barton was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx at 28. —Nina Agrawal, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2026

Between the nose and the larynx, something is getting in the way. —Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026

Primarily, the thyroid cartilage protects the vocal cords, which are housed within the larynx, and provides attachment points for muscles and ligaments involved in voice production and swallowing. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Mar. 2026

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