Word
Definition
n. the part of a song that is sung by a person, not played by instruments.
n. the sung portion of a musical composition, typically distinguished from the instrumental backing.
Examples
“The vocals on this track are very clear.”
“The producer decided to lower the volume of the drums to make the lead vocals stand out more.”
“While the instrumental arrangement is technically proficient, it is the raw, emotive power of the lead vocals that truly resonates with the listener and defines the album's success.”
Examples
simple
“The vocals on this track are very clear.”
contextual
“The producer decided to lower the volume of the drums to make the lead vocals stand out more.”
complex
“While the instrumental arrangement is technically proficient, it is the raw, emotive power of the lead vocals that truly resonates with the listener and defines the album's success.”
Usage
Usually plural when referring to the recorded or performed track.
Teaching tip
While 'vocal' can be an adjective, students should use the plural 'vocals' when talking about the singing part of a track.
Pitfall
The vocal of the song is very beautiful.
The vocals of the song are very beautiful.
In the context of music production and performance, this word is almost always used in the plural form 'vocals'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/vocals
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0