First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1vocal
adjective vo·cal \ˈvō-kəl\
: of, relating to, or produced by the voice
: expressing opinions in a public and forceful way
Full Definition of VOCAL
1
a : uttered by the voice : oral b : produced in the larynx : uttered with voice
2
: relating to, composed or arranged for, or sung by the human voice <vocal music>
3
: vocalic
4
a : having or exercising the power of producing voice, speech, or sound b : expressive c : full of voices : resounding d : given to expressing oneself freely or insistently : outspoken <a highly vocal critic> e : expressed in words
5
: of, relating to, or resembling the voice <vocal impairment>
— vo·cal·i·ty \vō-ˈka-lə-tē\ noun
— vo·cal·ly \ˈvō-kə-lē\ adverb
See vocal defined for English-language learners
See vocal defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of VOCAL
Middle English, from Latin vocalis, from voc-, vox voice — more at voice
Other Music Terms
2vocal
noun
Definition of VOCAL
1
: a vocal sound
2
: a usually accompanied musical composition for the human voice : song; also : a performance of such a composition
First Known Use of VOCAL
1582
VOCAL Defined for Kids
vocal
adjective vo·cal \ˈvō-kəl\
Definition of VOCAL for Kids
1
: uttered by the voice : oral <vocal communication>
2
: composed or arranged for or sung by the human voice <the vocal parts of a song>
3
: speaking freely or loudly : outspoken <a vocal critic>
4
: relating to or involved in producing the voice <the vocal organs>
— vo·cal·ly adverb
Word Root of VOCAL
The Latin word vox, meaning “voice,” and the related word vocāre, meaning “to call”, give us the root voc or vok. Words from the Latin vox or vocāre have something to do with the voice or with calling. Anything vocal is produced by the voice. A vocation is the work that someone is called to do as a job. To evoke is to call forth. To invoke is to call on for aid or protection. To provoke is to call forth another's anger. The word voice also has vox as its root.
Medical Dictionary
vocal
adjective vo·cal \ˈvō-kəl\
Medical Definition of VOCAL
1
: uttered by the voice : oral
2
: having or exercising the power of producing voice, speech, or sound
3
: of, relating to, or resembling the voice <vocal dysfunction due to throat infection>
—vo·cal·i·ty \vō-ˈkal-ət-ē\ noun, plural vo·cal·i·ties
—vo·cal·ly \ˈvō-kə-lē\ adverb
Learn More About VOCAL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: vocal chinkPrevious Word in the Dictionary: vocabulary testAll Words Near: vocal
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up vocal? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).