vocal

American  

[voh-kuhl] / ˈvoʊ kəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or uttered with the voice.

   the vocal mechanism;

   vocal criticism.

2. rendered by or intended for singing.

   vocal music.

3. having a voice.

   A dog is a vocal, but not a verbal, being.

4. giving forth sound with or as with a voice.

5. inclined to express oneself in words, especially copiously or insistently.

   a vocal advocate of reform.

   Synonyms:

   outspoken, vociferous

6. Phonetics.

   1. vocalic.

   2. voiced.

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noun

1. a vocal sound.

2. a musical piece for a singer, usually with instrumental accompaniment.

vocal British  

/ ˈvəʊkəl, vəʊˈkælɪtɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or designed for the voice

   vocal music

2. produced or delivered by the voice

   vocal noises

3. connected with an attribute or the production of the voice

   vocal organs

4. frequently disposed to outspoken speech, criticism, etc

   a vocal minority

5. full of sound or voices

   a vocal assembly

6. endowed with a voice

7. eloquent or meaningful

8. phonetics

   1. of or relating to a speech sound

   2. of or relating to a voiced speech sound, esp a vowel

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noun

1. a piece of jazz or pop music that is sung

2. a performance of such a piece of music

Other Word Forms

• nonvocal adjective
• nonvocally adverb
• vocality noun
• vocally adverb
• vocalness noun

Etymology

Origin of vocal

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin vōcālis, equivalent to vōc- (stem of vōx ) voice + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

Essayli, a rising star in the California GOP and vocal Trump supporter, wanted Keenan to review the prosecution of a Los Angeles sheriff’s deputy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

While Blanche’s predecessors in the No. 2 spot kept lower profiles and managed the Justice Department’s day-to-day operations largely behind the scenes, he is often a vocal and visible attack dog.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

DeSorbo was a bridesmaid at Batula’s wedding and vocal from the get-go about her disdain for Cooke.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Turner has been one of the most vocal opponents of the government's proposal to limit jury trials in England and Wales.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

But there is enough dazzle and mischief here, where partners cling or exchange at the urging of a heartbreaking vocal.

From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison

Related Words

• articulate
• blunt
• eloquent
• expressive
• forthright
• outspoken
• strident
• vociferous