sonority

noun

so·​nor·​i·​ty sə-ˈnȯr-ə-tē How to pronounce sonority (audio)
-ˈnär-
plural sonorities
1
: the quality or state of being sonorous : resonance
2
: a sonorous tone or speech
3
phonetics : the perceptibility or distinctness of speech sounds when spoken in a context in which stress, pitch, and sound duration are constant
vowels possessing greater sonority than consonants

Examples of sonority in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That sonority, at once hazy and precise, soft and powerful, builds into an overwhelming wave of melody, carrying us nearly to midnight. — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026 Each word and sentence feels vacuum-packed, enlisting our imaginative gear through all the senses; lines that often strike with a hymn’s sonority — building a quiet urgency. — Literary Hub, 26 Mar. 2026 Cecil can weave melodies into their rich, alto sonorities while simultaneously creating complementary harmonies that enhance the tapestry of their verse. — Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024 His wizardry was displayed Sunday in fastidious massaging of volumes, sonorities and interplays, always with an undercurrent of urgency. — Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sonority

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sonority was circa 1623

Rhymes for sonority

See All Rhymes for sonority

Browse Nearby Words

sonoriferous
sonority
sonorization
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sonority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonority. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sonority

noun
so·​nor·​i·​ty sə-ˈnȯr-ət-ē How to pronounce sonority (audio)
-ˈnär-
plural sonorities
: the quality or state of being sonorous : resonance
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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