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

His particular cancer also surrounds his pulmonary artery, which contains a nerve connected directly to the vocal cords. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026

The husband-and-wife duo brought the brand to life while on a quest to create a gin that was gentler on Jenkins’s vocal cords than a traditional spirit, which can affect the voice over time. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026

The native Hawaiian obviously wasn’t too concerned about straining his vocal cords. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026

Ayala said one of the bullets struck Fernanda in the throat, missing her vocal cords and jugular vein. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1757, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vocal cords

• harpsichords
• overlords
• storyboards
• accords
• affords
• awards
• billboards
• blackboards
• clapboards
• dashboards
• discords
• floorboards

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