vowel

noun

vow·​el ˈvau̇(-ə)l 

1

: one of a class of speech sounds in the articulation of which the oral part of the breath channel is not blocked and is not constricted enough to cause audible friction

broadly : the one most prominent sound in a syllable

2

: a letter or other symbol representing a vowel

—usually used in English of a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y

Examples of vowel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Clue: This Wordle has more consonants than vowels. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Damion Searls, Fosse’s translator, is responsible for the new vowel. —Max Norman, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024

Wordle #1,262 Tips and Hints for Monday, December 2 Hint #1: This word contains three different vowels. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024

Numerals that begin with a vowel when spelled out (e.g., 101 Dalmatians) will not count. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French vowele, from Latin vocalis — more at vocalic

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing vowel

• great vowel shift
• vowel point
• vowel rhyme

Video

The Schwa

The most common vowel sound in English causes many spelling problems.

Kids Definition

vowel

noun

vow·​el ˈvau̇(-ə)l 

1

: a speech sound produced without obstruction or audible friction in the mouth

2

: a letter (as a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y) representing a vowel