1 vocalization | Definition of vocalization

vocalize

verb
vo·​cal·​ize | \ ˈvō-kə-ˌlīz How to pronounce vocalize (audio) \
vocalized; vocalizing

Definition of vocalize

transitive verb

1 : to give voice to : utter specifically : sing
2a : 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

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Other Words from vocalize

vocalization \ ˌvō-​kə-​lə-​ˈzā-​shən How to pronounce vocalization (audio) \ noun
vocalizer \ ˈvō-​kə-​ˌlī-​zər How to pronounce vocalizer (audio) \ 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

With her mixture of blurred words, circular phrases and vague vowels, Kelela always moves the ambiance forward, vocalizing in a way that feels as delicate and diffuse as inner monologue. Chris Richards, Washington Post, "Kelela has a song in her head. Do you hear it, too?," 10 Sep. 2019 Another toll authority member, state Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Range, has also vocalized his opposition to ALDOT’s plan to assess a $6 one-way toll from Virginia Street in Mobile to U.S. 98 in Daphne. al, "Toll authority members vow to keep ‘open mind’ on I-10 project," 21 Aug. 2019 Creators like Rowan Ellis, Tyler Oakley, and Stevie Boebi vocalized their concerns and frustrations with YouTube seemingly hiding their videos and demonetizing their content in 2017. Julia Alexander, The Verge, "YouTube CEO addresses LGBTQ community’s ongoing demonetization concerns," 5 Aug. 2019 Speaking Wednesday about a related piece of legislation, Rep. DeLena Johnson, R-Palmer, vocalized those concerns in front of her fellow lawmakers. James Brooks, Anchorage Daily News, "Alaska House votes for $1,600 dividend; bill now goes to the Senate," 26 July 2019 The neighborhood association has long been an active group that has vocalized its concerns on issues in recent years such as heavy industry popping up near downtown Mobile within and near the State Docks. al.com, "In Mobile Civic Center project, key neighborhood group claims ‘we’ve been ignored’," 1 July 2019 The famous couple joined dozens of celebrities who have vocalized their opinions on vaccinating children. Amy Haneline, USA TODAY, "Dax Shepard says he and Kristen Bell are 'Most vocal pro-vaccination couple in the biz'," 26 June 2019 Given the wide variation among individuals’ voices and the ways that emotional states are vocalized, our testing is neither exhaustive or comprehensive. Jeff Kao And Jack Gillum, ProPublica, "Methodology: How We Tested an Aggression Detection Algorithm," 25 June 2019 Every season, America's Got Talent fans vocalize the same grumble right around the time the judges dole out their golden buzzers: There are too many singers on the variety show. Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Here's the Actual Reason 'AGT' Has So Many Singers on the Show," 11 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vocalize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of vocalize

1669, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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More Definitions for vocalize

vocalize

verb

English Language Learners Definition of vocalize

formal
: to express (something) by speaking words
: to make a sound with the voice

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More from Merriam-Webster on vocalize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for vocalize

Spanish Central: Translation of vocalize

Nglish: Translation of vocalize for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of vocalize for Arabic Speakers