How to pronounce vocal
Say it like VOH-kul. Vocal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce vocal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VOH
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Vocal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of vocal
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: VOH-kul.
What does vocal mean?
- relating to or designed for or using the singing voice“vocal technique”“the vocal repertoire”
- having or using the power to produce speech or sound“vocal organs”“all vocal beings hymned their praise”
- given to expressing yourself freely or insistently“outspoken in their opposition to segregation”“a vocal assembly”
- music intended to be performed by one or more singers, usually with instrumental accompaniment
- a short musical composition with words“a successful musical must have at least three good songs”
Where does vocal come from?
Late Middle English vocal, borrowed from Latin vōcālis (“uttering a voice, sounding, speaking”), from vōx (“a voice, sound, tone”) + -ālis (“-al”, adjectival suffix).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with vocal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of vocal.
Questions about saying vocal
How do you pronounce vocal?
Say VOH-kul. The American pronunciation is /ˈvoʊkəl/. In British English it is /ˈvəʊkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in vocal?
Vocal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VOH). Broken into parts: VOH · kul.
Is vocal pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈvəʊkəl/ (VOH-kul).