phonation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2+/Specialist)Technical, Academic, Medical (primarily phonetics, speech pathology, voice science)
Quick answer
What does “phonation” mean?
The process of producing vocal sound by means of the vibration of the vocal folds (vocal cords) in the larynx.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of producing vocal sound by means of the vibration of the vocal folds (vocal cords) in the larynx.
The manner or quality of this sound production; the specific physiological or acoustic act of voicing a speech sound. In broader technical use, it can refer to any sound-making process in the vocal tract.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical or semantic differences. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA). The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely scientific/clinical in both contexts. No cultural connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse in both varieties. Frequency is almost entirely confined to specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “phonation” in a Sentence
Phonation (of X)The phonation involved in...Characterised by creaky phonationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “phonation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The vocal folds phonate to produce a voiced sound.
- Patients may find it difficult to phonate comfortably after intubation.
American English
- The therapist asked her to phonate on a steady pitch.
- The muscles must coordinate to phonate efficiently.
adjective
British English
- The phonatory mechanism is complex.
- She has a phonatory disorder affecting her voice quality.
American English
- The phonatory function study revealed hyperfunction.
- Phonatory effort was measured using specialized equipment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in linguistics, phonetics, speech science, and musicology papers. E.g., 'The study examined the acoustic correlates of different phonation types across languages.'
Everyday
Virtually never used. A layperson would say 'voice' or 'vocal cords vibrating'.
Technical
Core term in speech pathology, laryngology, and voice coaching. E.g., 'The patient exhibits strained phonation post-surgery.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “phonation”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “phonation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “phonation”
- Using it to mean 'pronunciation'.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'different phonations' is very marginal; 'phonation types' is correct).
- Confusing it with 'articulation' (which involves the tongue, lips, etc.).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Speaking involves many processes (respiration, phonation, articulation). Phonation is specifically the vibration of the vocal folds to create sound. You can phonate without speaking (e.g., humming).
Yes. Whispered speech uses a different laryngeal mechanism and lacks true vocal fold vibration (phonation). Sounds like /p/, /t/, /s/ are voiceless and produced without phonation.
The most common adjective is 'phonatory' (e.g., phonatory system). The verb is 'to phonate'.
Almost certainly not. It is a highly specialised technical term. In everyday situations, you would use words like 'voice', 'vocal cord vibration', or 'voicing'.
The process of producing vocal sound by means of the vibration of the vocal folds (vocal cords) in the larynx.
Phonation is usually technical, academic, medical (primarily phonetics, speech pathology, voice science) in register.
Phonation: in British English it is pronounced /fə(ʊ)ˈneɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /foʊˈneɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'PHONE-ation' – it's about making the 'phone' (sound) with your voice box. You 'phone' someone with your voice; phonation is the act of making that vocal sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE VOICE IS A MOTOR / ENGINE. Phonation is the 'starting' or 'idling' of the vocal engine (the larynx).
Practice
Quiz
In which field would you most likely encounter the term 'phonation'?