articulation

noun

ar·​tic·​u·​la·​tion (ˌ)är-ˌti-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce articulation (audio)
1
a
: a joint or juncture between bones or cartilages in the skeleton of a vertebrate
b
: a movable joint between rigid parts of an animal
2
a
: the action or manner of jointing or interrelating
the articulation of the limbs
b
: the state of being jointed or interrelated
3
a
: the act of giving utterance or expression
b
: the act or manner of articulating sounds
c
: an articulated utterance or sound
specifically : consonant
4

Examples of articulation in a Sentence

The book is the articulation of his vision. her boyfriend's articulation of his feelings for her was very touching
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Speech therapy: Speech therapy can help people with mild autism who have challenges with language comprehension, articulation, or pragmatic skills. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2025 The hand scene was really a kind of articulation for me of this idea that sometimes our bodies know best. Anaja I. Smith, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025 Further articulation of consumption policies would be interesting. Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 Surgeon’s wrists are also limited by the degrees of articulation in human joints. Uma Raja, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for articulation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English articulacioun, borrowed from Latin articulātiōn-, articulātiō "jointed structure, division into joints," from articulāre "to divide into distinct parts" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at articulate entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of articulation was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Articulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/articulation. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

articulation

noun
ar·​tic·​u·​la·​tion (ˌ)är-ˌtik-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce articulation (audio)
1
: the making of articulate sounds (as in pronunciation)
2
: a joint between rigid parts of an animal
especially : one between bones or cartilages

Medical Definition

articulation

noun
ar·​tic·​u·​la·​tion (ˌ)är-ˌtik-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce articulation (audio)
1
: the action or manner in which the parts come together at a joint
a sketch showing the articulation of the limbs
2
a
: a joint between bones or cartilages in the vertebrate skeleton that is immovable when the bones are directly united, slightly movable when they are united by an intervening substance, or more or less freely movable when the articular surfaces are covered with smooth cartilage and surrounded by a joint capsule see amphiarthrosis, diarthrosis, synarthrosis
b
: a movable joint between rigid parts of any animal (as between the segments of an insect appendage)
3
a
: the act or manner of articulating
b
: an articulated utterance or sound
4
a(1)
: the act of properly arranging artificial teeth
(2)
: an arrangement of artificial teeth

More from Merriam-Webster on articulation

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