English Reference
noun

articulation

n.
US /ˌɑɹtɪkjəˈɫeɪʃən/ UK /ɑːtˌɪkjʊlˈeɪʃən/ ar·tic·u·la·tion UK spelling articulations

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    a place where two parts are joined together, especially so they can move or bend.

    a joint or connection between two parts, especially in the skeletal system or in mechanical engineering, allowing for movement.

    Simple

    The articulation of the knee allows the leg to bend and straighten smoothly.

    In context

    The robot's arm features multiple points of articulation, enabling it to perform delicate surgical procedures with human-like dexterity.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Music

    the way a musician plays or sings a specific note, such as making it short or smooth.

    the technical execution of musical notes, specifically regarding the transition and continuity between them.

    Simple

    The teacher told the student to improve their articulation of the fast notes in the song.

    In context

    The pianist's crisp articulation in the staccato passages provided a brilliant contrast to the lyrical themes of the second movement.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency AcademicFormal Education

    the process of a student moving from one level of school to the next, like from college to university.

    the process of aligning curriculum between different levels of education to ensure a smooth transition for students.

    Simple

    The university has an articulation agreement that helps college students transfer their credits easily.

    In context

    Effective articulation between secondary schools and universities is essential for reducing student dropout rates during the first year of higher education.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency TechnicalFormal Law

    the way different financial reports, like a balance sheet and an income statement, relate to each other.

    the relationship between different financial statements, where the figures in one report are mathematically linked to another.

    Simple

    The accountant checked the articulation between the profit report and the final balance sheet.

    In context

    The articulation of financial statements ensures that the net income reported on the income statement correctly updates the retained earnings on the balance sheet.

    congruenceinterrelation

We know that Miquel feels deeply, but nothing in his life has licensed or recommended the articulation of personal emotion.

The Guardian· 2 Sept 2026

Her razor-sharp articulation is mordantly deployed in Noël Coward’s witty Nina from Argentina , while songs such as La Cucaracha and La Paloma are delivered in captivating style.

The Guardian· 25 Aug 2026

From Middle English articulacioun, from Old French articulacion, from Medieval Latin articulatio. Equivalent to articulate + -ion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin la-med articulatio
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated