vocalize

verb

vo·​cal·​ize ˈvō-kə-ˌlīz 

vocalized; vocalizing

transitive verb

1

: to give voice to : utter

specifically : sing

2

a

: to make voiced rather than voiceless : voice

b

: to convert to a vowel

3

: to furnish (something, such as a consonantal Hebrew or Arabic text) with vowels or vowel points

intransitive verb

1

: to utter vocal sounds

2

: sing

specifically : to sing without words

vocalization

ˌvō-kə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

vocalizer

ˈvō-kə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Synonyms

• articulate
• bring out
• enunciate
• pass
• say
• speak
• state
• talk
• tell
• utter
• verbalize

Examples of vocalize in a Sentence

The male bird vocalizes to attract a mate.

she's not one to vocalize her worries

Recent Examples on the Web

But now Erivo is giving fans permission to vocalize the Wicked lyrics outloud. —Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 28 Nov. 2024

The Democratic mayor, who is responsible for the appointments of nine of the 12 school board seats, has vocalized support for Santelises and the gains the school system has made under her leadership. —Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 19 Nov. 2024

Standing back-to-back, Jasmine and Gino attempt to vocalize their feelings. —Esther Kang, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024

This isn’t the first time Cage has vocalized his stance against AI and his fear of how it will be utilized to undercut performers working in Hollywood. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

vocalize

verb

vo·​cal·​ize ˈvō-kə-ˌlīz 

vocalized; vocalizing

: to give voice to

especially : sing entry 1 sense 1a

vocalizer

ˈvō-kə-ˌlī-zər 

noun