utterance

1 of 2

noun (1)

ut·​ter·​ance ˈə-tə-rən(t)s 

also ˈə-trən(t)s

1

: something uttered

especially : an oral or written statement : a stated or published expression

2

: vocal expression : speech

3

: power, style, or manner of speaking

utterance

2 of 2

noun (2)

ut·​ter·​ance ˈə-tə-rən(t)s 

ˈə-trən(t)s

archaic

: the last extremity : bitter end

Synonyms of utterance

Noun (2)

• voice
• expression
• formulation

Examples of utterance in a Sentence

Noun (2)

many writers have used poetry as a means to give utterance to their deepest thoughts

celebrities whose every utterance is treated as though it were newsworthy

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

When even an unregulated utterance can end a life, and when such utterances are made to go unwitnessed, what remains? — Abdelrahman Elgendy, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

As cryptocurrencies code-conjure themselves into being and a performative utterance can fix the price of a stock if uttered emphatically enough, arrest data is used to forecast the stock valuation of private prisons. — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Peter roused again but had grown more certain since his last utterance. — Anand Giridharadas, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026

To claim yourself as a Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, or Samantha is to declare intentions, goals, and values in a single utterance. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Middle English outraunce, uttraunce, from Middle French outrance, from outrer to go beyond — more at outré

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

utterance

noun

ut·​ter·​ance

ˈət-ə-rən(t)s

1

: something uttered

especially : an oral or written statement

2

: the action of uttering with the voice : speech

3

: power, style, or manner of speaking