What does "vocal" mean?
A vocal sound; specifically, a purely vocal element of speech, unmodified except by resonance; a vowel or a diphthong; a tonic element; a tonic.
Vocal
/ˈvəʊ.kəl/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A vocal sound; specifically, a purely vocal element of speech, unmodified except by resonance; a vowel or a diphthong; a tonic element; a tonic.
- Grammar: vocal is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: outspoken, alto, articulate, articulated.
- Useful contrasts: mute, aphonic, instrumental.
- Usage evidence: Public feeling against air pollution has at last become vocal.
How to use "vocal"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "vocal" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "vocal" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "vocal" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "vocal" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "vocal" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "outspoken" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "vocal", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A vocal sound; specifically, a purely vocal element of speech, unmodified except by resonance; a vowel or a diphthong; a tonic element; a tonic.
- 2 a short musical composition with words wordnet
- 3 A part of a piece of music that is sung.
"Best cuts: "The Evil Dude," "Kung Fu, Too!" "Mama Love," "New Orleans" (with a punchy vocal by Teresa Brewer)."
- 4 music intended to be performed by one or more singers, usually with instrumental accompaniment wordnet
- 5 A part of a piece of music that is sung.; A musical performance involving singing.
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A man in the Roman Catholic Church who has a right to vote in certain elections.
Adjective
- 1 Of, pertaining to, or resembling the human voice or speech.
"vocal problems"
- 2 Of, pertaining to, or resembling the human voice or speech.; Used in the production of speech sounds.
"vocal apparatus"
- 3 Of, pertaining to, or resembling the human voice or speech.; Relating to, composed or arranged for, or sung by the human voice.
- 4 Of, pertaining to, or resembling the human voice or speech.; Consisting of, or characterized by, voice, or tone produced in the larynx, which may be modified, either by resonance, as in the case of the vowels, or by obstructive action, as in certain consonants, such as v, l, etc., or by both, as in the nasals m, n, ng.
- 5 Of, pertaining to, or resembling the human voice or speech.; Synonym of vocalic.
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 Uttered or modulated by the voice; expressed in words.
"vocal melody, vocal prayer, vocal worship"
- 7 Uttered or modulated by the voice; expressed in words.; Expressing opinions or feelings freely, loudly, or insistently.
"The protesters were very vocal in their message to the mayor."
- 8 Uttered or modulated by the voice; expressed in words.; Having or exercising the power of producing voice, speech, or sound.
"To hill or valley, fountain, or fresh shade, Made vocal by my song."
- 9 Uttered or modulated by the voice; expressed in words.; Synonym of expressive.
- 10 Uttered or modulated by the voice; expressed in words.; Full of voices.
Adjective
- 1 given to expressing yourself freely or insistently wordnet
- 2 full of the sound of voices wordnet
- 3 having or using the power to produce speech or sound wordnet
- 4 relating to or designed for or using the singing voice wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"Public feeling against air pollution has at last become vocal."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "vocal"?
Common synonyms include: outspoken, alto, articulate, articulated, baritone, bass.
How do you use "vocal" in a sentence?
Public feeling against air pollution has at last become vocal.
How do you pronounce "vocal"?
Pronounced /ˈvəʊ.kəl/.
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *wekʷ-der. Proto-Indo-European *wṓkʷs Proto-Italic *wōks Latin vōx Proto-Italic *-ālis Latin -ālis Latin vōcālisbor. Middle English vocal English vocal Late Middle English vocal, borrowed from Latin vōcālis (“uttering a voice, sounding, speaking”), from vōx (“a voice, sound, tone”) + -ālis (“-al”, adjectival suffix). Doublet of vowel and vocalis. Compare Old French vocal.