vowel

noun

vow·​el ˈvau̇(-ə)l 

1

: one of a class of speech sounds in the articulation of which the oral part of the breath channel is not blocked and is not constricted enough to cause audible friction

broadly : the one most prominent sound in a syllable

2

: a letter or other symbol representing a vowel

—usually used in English of a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y

Examples of vowel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Give me a consonant Give me a vowel Open the comments section for more hints, scores, and conversation from the Wordle community. —New York Times Games, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025

Aesthetic baby names stand out with their harmonious balance of vowels and consonants, offering a melodic quality that rolls off the tongue beautifully. —Fiona Tapp, Parents, 6 Feb. 2025

Wordle #1,270, Clues for Tuesday, December 10 Game Hint #1: This word contains two vowels. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Every consonant is crisp; every vowel is perfectly rounded. —Brent Lang, Variety, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French vowele, from Latin vocalis — more at vocalic

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing vowel

• great vowel shift
• vowel point
• vowel rhyme

Video

The Schwa

The most common vowel sound in English causes many spelling problems.

Kids Definition

vowel

noun

vow·​el ˈvau̇(-ə)l 

1

: a speech sound produced without obstruction or audible friction in the mouth

2

: a letter (as a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y) representing a vowel