utterance

[ uht-er-uhns ]

/ ˈʌt ər əns /

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See synonyms for utterance on Thesaurus.com

noun

an act of uttering; vocal expression.

manner of speaking; power of speaking: His very utterance was spellbinding.

something uttered; a word or words uttered; a cry, animal's call, or the like.

Linguistics. any speech sequence consisting of one or more words and preceded and followed by silence: it may be coextensive with a sentence.

Obsolete. a public sale of goods.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of utterance

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at utter¹, -ance

Other definitions for utterance (2 of 2)

utterance²

[ uht-er-uhns ]

/ ˈʌt ər əns /

noun Archaic.

the utmost extremity, especially death.

Origin of utterance

1350–1400; Middle English <Old French outrance, oultrance, equivalent to oultr(er) to pass beyond (<Latin ultrā beyond) + -ance-ance

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use utterance in a sentence

Less reliable reports based on utterances of Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood allies indicated Morsi's been cut off from communication.
Egypt: That Was A Coup|Ali Gharib|July 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Every day, devotees scan public utterances, transcripts, and videotapes for clues.
Bernanke Hints at Fed Exit, but Don’t Expect Big Name to Succeed Him|Daniel Gross|June 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
He knew exactly what he was saying and, unlike most Romneyan utterances, he sounded like he really meant it.
The 47 Percent, Offense, and Defense|Michael Tomasky|October 5, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Of course, we could spend all our time obsessing about outrage-inducing utterances.
Hilary Rosen, Ann Romney, and the Perpetual Outrage Industry|Howard Kurtz|April 17, 2012|DAILY BEAST

It is moderated by Iowa Rep. Steve King, who, like the two candidates, is known for colorful utterances.
The GOP's Nightmare Debate|Jill Lawrence|November 4, 2011|DAILY BEAST
In the New Testament a few examples appear in which his utterances are given a quasi-judicial tone.
Solomon and Solomonic Literature|Moncure Daniel Conway
"You really alarm me with all these serious utterances," she said at last, with a faint, nervous laugh.
The Doctor of Pimlico|William Le Queux
The infant begins its vocal utterances with simple cries; only at a later age does it begin to articulate.
Man And His Ancestor|Charles Morris
The anathema of the good bishop is pitched in many keys and sounds, like the collected utterances of many throats.
A Cursory History of Swearing|Julian Sharman
His eloquence may not be so captivating as that of some men; but it comes up freely, and involves utterances of import.
Our Churches and Chapels|Atticus

British Dictionary definitions for utterance (1 of 2)

utterance¹

/ (ˈʌtərəns) /

noun

something uttered, such as a statement

the act or power of uttering or the ability to utter

logic philosophy an element of spoken language, esp a sentenceCompare inscription (def. 4)

British Dictionary definitions for utterance (2 of 2)

utterance²

/ (ˈʌtərəns) /

noun

archaic, or literary the bitter end (esp in the phrase to the utterance)

Word Origin for utterance

C13: from Old French oultrance, from oultrer to carry to excess, from Latin ultrā beyond

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

utterance

Origin of utterance

Other definitions for utterance (2 of 2)

Origin of utterance

Words related to utterance

How to use utterance in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for utterance (1 of 2)

British Dictionary definitions for utterance (2 of 2)

Word Origin for utterance