aural
1 Americanadjective
adjective
adjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of aural1
First recorded in 1840–50; from Latin aur(is) “the ear” + -al 1
Origin of aural2
Explanation
If you have excellent aural abilities, it means that your ears work well. Aural means "pertaining to hearing." Some people learn well using their aural skills, which means they can hear something and remember it easily later. The root of the word aural is the Latin word meaning "pertaining to the ear," auris. It's easy to get aural confused with another word that sounds similar, oral, which means "pertaining to the mouth."
Vocabulary lists containing aural
The Bluest Eye
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Commonly Confused Words, List 4
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Wreck has contributed to the trans and feminist-centric yearly event Grrl Fair, the Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls Orange County and currently runs her queer-centric production company Aural Displeasure.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2023
Close your eyes and fly away on Aural Air.
From Washington Post • Dec. 10, 2020
Among the events are the participatory dance “Linelight,” by the Dance Cartel and with music by DJ Average Jo, and “Night Paving: The Aural History of Jackie 60 & Mother,” which pairs music with storytelling.
From New York Times • Jul. 14, 2016
Aural literacy, he thinks, is still in its infancy.
From The Guardian • Jun. 20, 2013
Aural transmission also enhances brain function since memorization is essential, along with mental mapping of melodies and rhythms.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.