wordless

[wurd-lis]

adjective

1. speechless, silent, or mute.

2. not put into words; unexpressed.

ˈwordless

/ ˈwɜːdlɪs /

adjective

1. inarticulate or silent

2. music of or relating to vocal music that is not provided with an articulated text

   a wordless chorus

Other Word Forms

• wordlessly adverb
• wordlessness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of wordless¹

Middle English word dating back to 1150–1200; word, -less

Example Sentences

Its beat is a mix of drum machines, sequenced electronics and an acoustic kit, as tricky cymbal flourishes and field recordings of wordless voices echo somewhere in the background.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It includes a wordless soprano in tribute to Nellie Melba, the Australian soprano.

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With the help of a wordless Los Angeles Master Chorale, Reid tells the story through ever-surprising instrumental evocation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A few days before the LP was due, he switched up the end of “Jungleland,” adding more emphasis on the final line as well as anguished, wordless howls.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And it is this focus on the feeling of wordless understanding that guides Erizku’s approach to creation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hidden 
• implicit 
• indirect 
• latent 
• lurking 
• tacit 
• unspoken