voice

Definition

Sound uttered by the mouth, especially by human beings in speech or song; sound thus uttered considered as possessing some special quality or character.

Etymology

From Middle English voice, voys, vois, borrowed from Anglo-Norman voiz, voys, voice, Old French vois, voiz (Modern French voix), from Latin vōcem, accusative form of vōx (“voice”), from Proto-Indo-European *wṓkʷs, root noun from *wekʷ- (“to utter, speak”). Cognate with Sanskrit वाच् (vāc), Ancient Greek ὄψ (óps), Persian آواز (âvâz). Displaced native Middle English steven (“voice”) (from Old English stefn (see steven)), Old English hlēoþor, Old English woþ, and Old English reord. Compare advocate, advowson, avouch, convoke, vocal, vouch, vowel. Doublet of vox.

Example Sentences

• "The human voice is the oldest musical instrument in history."
• "Stop repeating in that stupid voice what I say."
• "His low voice allowed him to become a bass in the choir."