What does labially mean?
Labially is an adverb meaning in or with respect to the lips, particularly in relation to how a speech sound is articulated. It is used chiefly in phonetics and linguistics to describe sounds produced through lip movement, such as pressing both lips together to make m, p, or b, or rounding them to produce certain vowels and consonants. The term distinguishes the role of the lips from other articulatory features, including the tongue, teeth, and velum. Although its sense can be understood from ordinary language, “labially” is mainly found in technical discussion of pronunciation, speech production, and sound classification. It is a precise word for describing the physical movement involved in articulation.
adverbIn or with respect to the lips; using the lips in articulation.
- In or with respect to the lips, especially in phonetics.
"The sound is produced labially by rounding the lips."
"This consonant is articulated labially, with both lips pressed together."
"The speaker shifted from a rounded articulation to a more labial one."
Some consonants, such as m, p, and b, are made with the lips, making them labial sounds.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does labially come from?
The word comes from the adjective “labial,” which in turn derives from Latin labium, meaning “lip.” The Latin root also underlies related terms such as “labiate” and “bilabial,” in which the lip-forming articulation is specified more precisely.
How labially is actually used
This is primarily a technical term used in phonetics, speech science, and linguistics. It is more common in formal or specialist contexts than in everyday speech.