vocal cords

plural noun

: either of two pairs of folds of mucous membranes that project into the cavity of the larynx and have free edges extending dorsoventrally toward the middle line

Examples of vocal cords in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And just like any other muscles in your body, your vocal cords just get used to what they’re trained slowly and surely and taught to do. —Chris Willman, Variety, 5 Feb. 2025

Faithfull moved to New York after the release of 1981’s Dangerous Acquaintances, and, while still suffering from addiction, had a disastrous appearance on Saturday Night Live in which her vocal cords seized up. —Roy Trakin, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Jan. 2025

Spasmodic dysphonia is a rare speech disorder that affects the vocal cords, according to Cleveland Clinic. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025

Going into a performance stiff and cold—not vocally or physically warm—could damage the vocal cords or put the performer at risk for injury. —Jordan Smith, SELF, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1757, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vocal cords

• harpsichords
• overlords
• storyboards
• accords
• affords
• awards
• billboards
• blackboards
• clapboards
• dashboards
• discords
• floorboards

Kids Definition

vocal cords

plural noun

: either of two pairs of elastic folds of tissue in the larynx of which the lower pair produce the voice when air exhaled from the lungs causes them to vibrate