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

A couple of years ago, Ian had give up singing and cancel a world tour after she was diagnosed with scarring of her vocal cords. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025

That typically starts with an ear, nose and throat (ENT) exam, where the doctor uses a flexible camera to examine the lining, tissue and vocal cords. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2025

However, when the body is dehydrated, the vocal cords are more likely to become irritated and there is a higher risk of injury. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 3 Apr. 2025

Prior research has shown that human vocal cords share the same two principal vibration modes as a guitar, and human singers rely on both when performing. —ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 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