Origin: Latin suffix -al
Vocal has 9 different meanings across 2 categories:
music intended to be performed by one or more singers, usually with instrumental accompaniment
"The choir's vocal performance of the hymn was accompanied by a small string quartet."
A vocal sound; specifically, a purely vocal element of speech, unmodified except by resonance; a vowel or a diphthong; a tonic element; a tonic.
"The linguist analyzed the vocal quality of the utterance to isolate its pure vowel sounds from consonantal noise."
In plain English: A vocal is someone who speaks up loudly and clearly to express their opinion.
"The vocal at the back of my throat felt strange after waking up with a cold."
relating to or designed for or using the singing voice
"vocal technique"
"the vocal repertoire"
"organized a vocal group to sing his compositions"
having or using the power to produce speech or sound
"vocal organs"
"all vocal beings hymned their praise"
Of, pertaining to, or resembling the human voice or speech.
"The vocal cords vibrated as she began her spoken performance."
Used in the production of speech sounds.
"The vocal cords vibrate to produce the sound of her voice."
In plain English: Vocal means speaking your mind openly and clearly without holding anything back.
"The vocal coach helped him improve his singing technique."
Usage: Use "vocal" as an adjective when describing something related to speaking aloud rather than writing silently, such as being vocal about your opinions. Do not confuse this with the noun form meaning a vowel sound, which is rarely used outside of specific linguistic contexts.