vocalize

[ voh-kuh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, vo·cal·ized, vo·cal·iz·ing.

1. to make vocal; utter; articulate; sing.
2. to endow with a voice; cause to utter.
3. Phonetics.
   1. to voice.
   2. to change into a vowel ( consonantalize ).
4. (of Hebrew, Arabic, and other writing systems that do not usually indicate vowels) to furnish with vowels or vowel points.

verb (used without object)

, vo·cal·ized, vo·cal·iz·ing.

1. to use the voice, as in speech or song.
2. to sing without uttering words, especially to warm up the voice, practice vowel sounds, etc., before a performance.
3. to sing scales, arpeggios, trills, or the like, usually to a solmization syllable or a vowel sound.
4. Phonetics. to become changed into a vowel.

vocalize

/ ˈvəʊkəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to express with or use the voice; articulate (a speech, song, etc)
2. tr to make vocal or articulate
3. tr phonetics
   1. to articulate (a speech sound) with voice
   2. to change (a consonant) into a vowel
4. See vowelize
   another word for vowelize
5. intr to sing a melody on a vowel, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈvocalˌizer, noun
• ˌvocaliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• vocal·i·zation noun
• vocal·izer noun
• misvo·cal·i·zation noun
• nonvo·cal·i·zation noun
• sub·vocal·ize verb subvocalized subvocalizing
• un·vocal·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vocalize¹

First recorded in 1660–70; vocal + -ize

Example Sentences

In the past year, brands have been more focused on diversity in their advertising and vocalizing support for marginalized communities than arguably ever before.

From Digiday

I chose to say nothing, and now I wonder if I should have vocalized the information.

From Washington Post

A greater sac-winged bat pup makes babbling sounds as it learns how to vocalize like adults.

From Science News

As more athletes vocalize their own experiences, organizations like the USOPC are also finally devoting more resources to addressing the mental health of their athletes and providing them with the tools to improve their mental well being.

From Time

When asked to identify the defendant in the courtroom, he angrily stared down Chauvin and appeared frustrated while watching the footage of Floyd vocalizing his anguish.

From Time

Marine biologists have found that that while dolphins may not snore, they do vocalize in their sleep.

From The Daily Beast

According to her it can be difficult for female performers to vocalize what they feel comfortable doing on screen.

From The Daily Beast

Bisutti thinks the label is a good communication tool for Christians who are too shy to vocalize their beliefs.

From The Daily Beast

The President and his administration would vocalize their energy strategy through the EFA.

From The Daily Beast

But should mom get involved in an “animated conversation” with a stranger, the baby will “vocalize with intense anger.”

From The Daily Beast

Miss Eleanor did not need to vocalize her approval of Judson; the dark eyes were alight with excitement.

From Project Gutenberg

Minnehaha is one of those fearless singers who vocalize without a safety-valve.

From Project Gutenberg

We have all heard voices that were so beautiful that to hear one of them vocalize for half an hour would be a musical feast.

From Project Gutenberg

Another student—with a fine tenor—was asked to vocalize for a number of minutes.

From Project Gutenberg

Her voice cracked; her ear became demoralized; her attempts to vocalize grew almost as comical as Trilby's.

From Project Gutenberg