labial
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈleɪbiəl/
KK: /ˈleɪbiəl/
adjective
Definition
Related to the lips or produced using the lips, such as certain sounds in speech.
Example
The sounds 'b' and 'm' are considered labial because they are made with the lips.
Conversation
Did you know that some sounds in language are called labial sounds?
Really? I had no idea what that meant until now.
Yeah, they’re made using our lips, like the sounds 'b' and 'm'.
That's interesting! I guess I never thought about how much we use our lips in speech.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
lip
labialized
bilabial
Antonyms
dental
lingual
palatal
noun
Definition
A sound made with the lips, often used in speech, such as the sounds 'p', 'b', and 'm'.
Example
In linguistics, a labial is a consonant produced by bringing the lips together.
Conversation
Have you ever studied how labial consonants work?
Not really, but I've heard they can be interesting.
Yeah, they involve both lips and are used in many languages.
Root Explanation
Labial → It is formed from "labium" (meaning lip) in Latin. The word "labial" refers to something related to the lips.
Memory Tip
Think of the Latin word for lip, 'labium', to remember that 'labial' relates to lips.
Visually Confused Words
bilabial
laical
labral
abidal
sublabial
prelabial