vocal

[voh-kuhl]

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.

noun

1. a vocal sound.

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

vocal

/ 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

noun

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

2. a performance of such a piece of music

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of vocal¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of vocal¹

C14: from Latin vōcālis possessed of a voice, from vōx voice

Example Sentences

The record features a carefully curated list of guest artists, providing backing vocals, or cameos, and this is when you remember that this is a concept piece.

From Salon

Kearns, who has been a vocal critic of China, said she was concerned the government was "putting our national security second" because it wanted to reset relations with Beijing.

From BBC

With a sprawling live band and big moments of unvarnished vocal candor, this was pop at its highest caliber, but with an eye toward long-term durability and integrity.

From Los Angeles Times

“Reputation‘s” slow-burn hit “Don’t Blame Me” follows a similar playbook, using a killer choral backing to achieve the same hymnal quality that complex vocal layering creates on “Elizabeth Taylor.”

From Los Angeles Times

Her older brother David, who has been vocal in his support for her, will also stay away.

From BBC

Related Words

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