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

Who has the most wins while barefoot and with three or more tattoos and a first name that ends in a consonant but a last name that ends in a vowel? —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024

The Clue: This Wordle has two vowels in a row and two consonants in a row. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

That means The Accused does not begin with a vowel, while A Simple Plan does. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 4 July 2024

The Clue: This Wordle has far more consonants than vowels. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

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