Glottal

/ˈɡlɑːtl/
adjective

Related to the glottis, the part in your throat that helps you make sounds.

She made a glottal sound when trying to clear her throat.
Visual representation of "glottal" - Related to the glottis, the part in your throat that helps you make sounds.

Often appears as...

  • glottal stop
  • glottal sound
adjective

Used to describe a type of speech sound (called a stop) where the airflow is stopped by the glottis.

In the English language, the sound 'uh-oh' contains a glottal stop.
Visual representation of "glottal" - Used to describe a type of speech sound (called a stop) where the airflow is stopped by the glottis.

Often appears as...

  • glottal stop
  • glottal plosive

Usage tips

Technical

adjective

Related to the glottis, the part in your throat that helps you make sounds.

She made a glottal sound when trying to clear her throat.
Visual representation of "glottal" - Related to the glottis, the part in your throat that helps you make sounds.

Often appears as...

  • glottal stop
  • glottal sound
adjective

Used to describe a type of speech sound (called a stop) where the airflow is stopped by the glottis.

In the English language, the sound 'uh-oh' contains a glottal stop.
Visual representation of "glottal" - Used to describe a type of speech sound (called a stop) where the airflow is stopped by the glottis.

Often appears as...

  • glottal stop
  • glottal plosive

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "glottal"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Speaking Nuance

Glottal sounds can give emphasis or emotion to speech in various languages.

Illustration for Speaking Nuance
She put a glottal emphasis on the word 'no' to show her strong refusal.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Voice Care

Frequent glottal sounds may strain your throat, use them carefully when speaking.

Illustration for Voice Care
After making repeated glottal stops in her speech, she sipped some water.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Regional Variations

Certain accents, like Cockney English, often feature glottal sounds more prominently.

Illustration for Regional Variations
In his Cockney accent, 'bottle' was pronounced with a glottal stop instead of the 'tt' sound.
Visual representation of the word "Glottal"

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Quote examples

Patricia Routledge

English Actress

There's a fashion abroad generally to speak the language as badly as possible. I'm of a mind to start a society for the reinstatement of the letter 't' and the banishment of the glottal stop.
Portrait of Patricia Routledge

Quote examples

Patricia Routledge

English Actress

There's a fashion abroad generally to speak the language as badly as possible. I'm of a mind to start a society for the reinstatement of the letter 't' and the banishment of the glottal stop.
Portrait of Patricia Routledge
Example 1 of 1
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