vocal cords

American  

plural noun

Anatomy.

1. either of the two pairs of folds of mucous membrane projecting into the cavity of the larynx.

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vocal cords British  

plural noun

1. either of two pairs of mucomembranous folds in the larynx. The upper pair ( false vocal cords ) are not concerned with vocal production; the lower pair ( true vocal cords or vocal folds ) can be made to vibrate and produce sound when air from the lungs is forced over them See also glottis

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vocal cords Scientific  

/ vō′kəl /

1. The two folded pairs of membranes in the larynx (voice box) that vibrate when air that is exhaled passes through them, producing sound.

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vocal cords Cultural  

1. Two folds of tissue located in the larynx that vibrate when air passes over them, producing the sound waves associated with talking and singing.

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Etymology

Origin of vocal cords

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Once the camera was in place, the doctor had me make several sounds while he watched my vocal cords.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

However, the condition worsened, "sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I'm used to," she told NBC News.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

SPS affected Dion’s ability to sing by causing a strain on her vocal cords, making her voice sound more nasal.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

Voice loss often becomes permanent when scar tissue forms on the vocal cords.

From Science Daily • Jan. 2, 2026

In this way, with my vocal cords as my instrument, I glide through the verses, wavering slightly at first, but getting stronger as I continue.

From "Amina's Voice" by Hena Khan