vocal cords

plural noun

: either of two pairs of folds of mucous membranes that project into the cavity of the larynx and have free edges extending dorsoventrally toward the middle line

Examples of vocal cords in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Iris is still trapped in the car with Richard and slowly regains control of her vocal cords. Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Some sounds are more difficult to make if the vocal cords are very dry. Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 The vocal cords develop fatigue, affecting your ability to vocalize properly.2 People who work in environments that require you to overuse your vocal cords (such as teachers, professional speakers, or singers) may be more prone to aphonia. Mark Gurarie, Health, 14 Sep. 2024 Kassi Ashton believes that when she was born and her baby feet were pinched to see if her vocal cords worked, a microphone was also held to her mouth and a spotlight shined in her face. Ilana Kaplan, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vocal cords 

Word History

First Known Use

1757, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vocal cords was in 1757

Dictionary Entries Near vocal cords

Cite this Entry

“Vocal cords.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vocal%20cords. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

vocal cords

plural noun
: either of two pairs of elastic folds of tissue in the larynx of which the lower pair produce the voice when air exhaled from the lungs causes them to vibrate

More from Merriam-Webster on vocal cords

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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