1
a
: uttered by the voice : oral
b
: produced in the larynx : uttered with voice
2
a
: given to expressing oneself freely or insistently : outspoken
a highly vocal critic
b
: having or exercising the power of producing voice, speech, or sound
c
d
: full of voices : resounding
e
: expressed in words
3
: relating to, composed or arranged for, or sung by the human voice
vocal music
4
: of, relating to, or resembling the voice
vocal impairment
5
: vocalic
1
: a vocal sound
2
: a usually accompanied musical composition for the human voice : song
also
: a performance of such a composition
Synonyms
Examples of vocal in a Sentence
Adjective
music with vocal and instrumental parts
She is a vocal critic of the new law.
He was very vocal in his criticism of me.
Noun
a recording artist who arranges his own vocals
Recent Examples on the Web
Marshall Heyman, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025
Gomez, a long-time advocate for immigrant rights, has been vocal about her connection to the issue.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 26 Jan. 2025
While the three songs performed are catchy and moving in their own ways, and Kimi’s lead vocals are especially heartfelt, more remarkable is the pure embodiment of each character’s relationship to the music and to one another, a melding of spirits that still retain their individual temperaments.
—Ryan Swen, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for vocal 
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Adjective
Besides Cohen, Mel Brooks and Ron Howard pop in for seemingly unnecessary vocal cameos.
—Marshall Heyman, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025
Gomez, a long-time advocate for immigrant rights, has been vocal about her connection to the issue.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
The one time the song appeared on a Dylan setlist, lead vocals were performed by Jack White.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 26 Jan. 2025
While the three songs performed are catchy and moving in their own ways, and Kimi’s lead vocals are especially heartfelt, more remarkable is the pure embodiment of each character’s relationship to the music and to one another, a melding of spirits that still retain their individual temperaments.
—Ryan Swen, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for vocal
Dictionary Entries Near vocal
Cite this Entry
“Vocal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vocal. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vocal
2 of 2 noun1
: a vocal sound
2
: a piece of vocal music
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