Results

Definition of vowel : 1. A vocal, or sometimes a whispered, sound modified by resonance in the oral passage, the peculiar resonance in each case giving to each several vowel its distinctive character or quality as a sound of speech; -- distinguished from a consonant in that the latter, whether made with or without vocality, derives its character in every case from some kind of obstructive action by the mouth organs. Also, a letter or character which represents such a sound. See Guide to Pronunciation, // 5, 146- 149.
2. Of or pertaining to a vowel; vocal.

Synonyms:

vocal, sounds, vowel sound, vocalic

cipher, ABC, literal, consonant, letter, monogram, alphabet, character, upper case

Usage examples:

• These words were originally written kille, wille, fulle; and when the e first grew silent, and was afterward omitted, the ll was retained, to give force, according to the analogy of our language, to the foregoing vowel. - "A Grammar of the English Tongue", Samuel Johnson.
• After a while, I string columns of little words together, in which the vowel has the same sound, as can, man, pan, tan, and let these be the first spelling- lessons; but I prefer, even to this mode, that of letting children write from dictation the words they are familiar with on a page. - "Guide to the Kindergarten and Intermediate Class and Moral Culture of Infancy.", Elizabeth P. Peabody Mary Mann.
• They do not all spell British victories; but every vowel of them represents British bravery, suffering, endurance, resolution; and linked with them in enduring fame are the Dublins, Munsters, Inniskillings, Leinsters, Connaughts, Irish Fusiliers, Irish Rifles, and the Irish Regiment. - "The Irish at the Front", Michael MacDonagh.