I. ˈvō-kəl adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin vocalis, from voc-, vox voice — more at voice
Date: 14th century
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
II. noun
Date: 1582
1. : a vocal sound
2. : a usually accompanied musical composition for the human voice : song ; also : a performance of such a composition