1
a
: uttered by the voice : oral
b
: produced in the larynx : uttered with voice
2
a
: given to expressing oneself freely or insistently : outspoken
a highly vocal critic
b
: having or exercising the power of producing voice, speech, or sound
c
d
: full of voices : resounding
e
: expressed in words
3
: relating to, composed or arranged for, or sung by the human voice
vocal music
4
: of, relating to, or resembling the voice
vocal impairment
5
: vocalic
1
: a vocal sound
2
: a usually accompanied musical composition for the human voice : song
also
: a performance of such a composition
Examples of vocal in a Sentence
Adjective
music with vocal and instrumental parts
She is a vocal critic of the new law.
He was very vocal in his criticism of me.
Noun
a recording artist who arranges his own vocals
Recent Examples on the Web
Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 22 Sep. 2025
My understanding is that playwright Tylie Shider originally set out to write a play about Sounds of Blackness, the three-time-Grammy-winning vocal group founded at Macalester College in 1969.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 22 Sep. 2025
Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
The track was co-written by Britney and featured her background vocals.
—Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vocal
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Adjective
When Tweedy’s lyrics lapse into obscurity, the healing power of group vocal harmonies is always there to carry him through.
—Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 22 Sep. 2025
My understanding is that playwright Tylie Shider originally set out to write a play about Sounds of Blackness, the three-time-Grammy-winning vocal group founded at Macalester College in 1969.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
With the band confirming Lingberg had already finished recording vocals for their new record, the next At The Gates LP will be a posthumous release for the legendary metal vocalist.
—Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
The track was co-written by Britney and featured her background vocals.
—Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vocal
Cite this Entry
“Vocal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vocal. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vocal
2 of 2 noun1
: a vocal sound
2
: a piece of vocal music
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