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
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
Clare Fisher, People.com, 14 July 2025
Trump caused quite the stir ahead of his state visit, notably going head-to-head with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who was vocal in his disapproval of Trump’s impending arrival.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 14 July 2025
Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The tune, which the band delivers as a pop ballad behind Allen’s gravelly, raw vocals, has its roots in the peak of the pandemic.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for vocal
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Adjective
Since welcoming their children, both the rapper and the beauty mogul have been vocal about the positive impact parenthood has had on their lives.
—Clare Fisher, People.com, 14 July 2025
Trump caused quite the stir ahead of his state visit, notably going head-to-head with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who was vocal in his disapproval of Trump’s impending arrival.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 14 July 2025
Noun
The Music mode distinguishes vocals, instruments and ambiance with extra clarity to recreate the atmosphere of being at a live music venue.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The tune, which the band delivers as a pop ballad behind Allen’s gravelly, raw vocals, has its roots in the peak of the pandemic.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for vocal
Cite this Entry
“Vocal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vocal. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vocal
2 of 2 noun1
: a vocal sound
2
: a piece of vocal music
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