glottal

adjective

glot·​tal ˈglä-tᵊl How to pronounce glottal (audio)
Synonyms of glottalnext
: of, relating to, or produced in or by the glottis
glottal constriction

Examples of glottal in a Sentence

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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.
Meanwhile, a weasel-like animal called a fisher waited nearby, making glottal noises inside a wire trap. — Elizabeth Miller, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2022 The language is famously difficult with tones and glottal stops unlike anything in English. — David Kelly, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2021

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from French glottale, borrowed from New Latin glōttālis, from glōttis glottis + Latin -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glottal was circa 1846

Phrases Containing glottal

Rhymes for glottal

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Cite this Entry

“Glottal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glottal. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

glottal

adjective
glot·​tal ˈglät-ᵊl How to pronounce glottal (audio)
variants also glottic
-ik How to pronounce glottal (audio)
: of, relating to, or produced in or by the glottis
glottal constriction

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