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vocal cords
plural noun
: either of two pairs of folds of mucous membranes that project into the cavity of the larynx and have free edges extending dorsoventrally toward the middle line
Examples of vocal cords in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Also like a guitar string, the thicker and larger a person’s vocal cords are, the deeper their baseline pitch is.
—Angela Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 22 Feb. 2024
Kathie had to relearn how to speak properly because the knife had carved into her vocal cords and the right side of her tongue.
—Marisa Kwiatkowski, USA TODAY, 14 May 2024
The 10-hour length of the surgery coupled with the tumor’s location and severity damaged Bogan’s tongue muscles and vocal cords, impeding her ability to eat and talk, Svokos said.
—Matt O'Brien, Fortune, 13 May 2024
Your vocal cords experienced some damage from smoking cigarettes for the role.
—Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for vocal cords
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vocal cords.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1757, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near vocal cords
Cite this Entry
“Vocal cords.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vocal%20cords. Accessed 12 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
vocal cords
plural noun
: either of two pairs of elastic folds of tissue in the larynx of which the lower pair produce the voice when air exhaled from the lungs causes them to vibrate
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