larynx

noun

lar·​ynx ˈler-iŋ(k)s How to pronounce larynx (audio)
ˈla-riŋ(k)s
plural larynges lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz How to pronounce larynx (audio) or larynxes
: the modified upper part of the trachea of air-breathing vertebrates that in humans, most other mammals, and some amphibians and reptiles contains the vocal cords

Examples of larynx in a Sentence

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.
About six months after Aerosmith announced their retirement from touring in the wake of Tyler's onstage larynx fracture in September 2023, the 76-year-old vocalist took the stage for a performance at his Jam for Janie Grammy Awards Viewing Party in Los Angeles on Feb. 2. Jack Irvin, People.com, 4 Feb. 2025 Infection in other body parts, such as the brain, spin or larynx, can lead to intense pain in that area. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 The typical treatment for SD is Botox injections into the larynx muscles. Angela Haupt, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025 For some years, my larynx has been swimming in phlegm, the result of an undetermined ratio between reflux and postnasal drip. John McPhee, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for larynx 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin laryng-, larynx, from Greek

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of larynx was in 1578

Dictionary Entries Near larynx

Cite this Entry

“Larynx.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/larynx. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

larynx

noun
lar·​ynx ˈlar-iŋ(k)s How to pronounce larynx (audio)
plural larynges lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz How to pronounce larynx (audio) or larynxes
: the upper part of the trachea that in human beings and most mammals contains the vocal cords

called also voice box

Medical Definition

larynx

noun
lar·​ynx ˈlar-iŋ(k)s How to pronounce larynx (audio)
plural larynges lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz How to pronounce larynx (audio) or larynxes
: the modified upper part of the respiratory passage of air-breathing vertebrates that is bounded above by the glottis, is continuous below with the trachea, has a complex cartilaginous or bony skeleton capable of limited motion through the action of associated muscles, and in humans, most other mammals, and a few lower forms has a set of elastic vocal cords that play a major role in sound production and speech

called also voice box

More from Merriam-Webster on larynx

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