vocalize

verb

vo·​cal·​ize ˈvō-kə-ˌlīz How to pronounce vocalize (audio)
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 noun
vocalizer noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sara Smith-Silverman, an American River College history professor, and member of Jewish Voice for Peace Sacramento, also vocalized support for divesting from the companies. Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2025 The cat, once likely timid or withdrawn from past instability, now feels secure enough to vocalize to the people around her, something that is more common when a pet begins to build trust in their environment and with their caregivers. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 While perched on leaves, the males begin calling out at dawn and vocalize for several hours before trailing off in the late morning. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2025 If successful, researchers hope the technique could be extended to help people who have difficulty vocalizing because of conditions such as cerebral palsy or autism. ArsTechnica, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vocalize

Word History

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vocalize was in 1669

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Cite this Entry

“Vocalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vocalize. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

vocalize

verb
vo·​cal·​ize ˈvō-kə-ˌlīz How to pronounce vocalize (audio)
vocalized; vocalizing
: to give voice to
especially : sing entry 1 sense 1a
vocalizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on vocalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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