Velar

/ˈviːlər/
adjective

Related to the back part of the roof of the mouth (known as the velum).

The letter 'k' is a velar consonant because you pronounce it with the back part of your tongue against the velum.
Visual representation of "velar" - Related to the back part of the roof of the mouth (known as the velum).

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

adjective

In linguistics, a sound produced with the back of the tongue against the velum.

In English, sounds like 'k' or 'g' are known as velar sounds.
Visual representation of "velar" - In linguistics, a sound produced with the back of the tongue against the velum.

Often appears as...

  • velar consonant
  • velar stop

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

adjective

Related to the back part of the roof of the mouth (known as the velum).

The letter 'k' is a velar consonant because you pronounce it with the back part of your tongue against the velum.
Visual representation of "velar" - Related to the back part of the roof of the mouth (known as the velum).

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

adjective

In linguistics, a sound produced with the back of the tongue against the velum.

In English, sounds like 'k' or 'g' are known as velar sounds.
Visual representation of "velar" - In linguistics, a sound produced with the back of the tongue against the velum.

Often appears as...

  • velar consonant
  • velar stop

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

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

Pronunciation Clue

Remember, 'velar' sounds involve the back part of your tongue touching the soft part of the roof of the mouth.

Illustration for Pronunciation Clue
The 'k' in 'kangaroo' is pronounced with a velar technique.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Visualize Mouth

Touching the soft palate with your tongue helps visualize where 'velar' sounds are formed.

Illustration for Visualize Mouth
Try saying 'go' and feel where the velar contact happens.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Speech Therapy

Understanding 'velar' can be helpful in speech therapy to correct pronunciation issues.

Illustration for Speech Therapy
If you struggle with 'g', practice by focusing on the velar placement.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Pronunciation Clue

Remember, 'velar' sounds involve the back part of your tongue touching the soft part of the roof of the mouth.

Illustration for Pronunciation Clue
The 'k' in 'kangaroo' is pronounced with a velar technique.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Visualize Mouth

Touching the soft palate with your tongue helps visualize where 'velar' sounds are formed.

Illustration for Visualize Mouth
Try saying 'go' and feel where the velar contact happens.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Speech Therapy

Understanding 'velar' can be helpful in speech therapy to correct pronunciation issues.

Illustration for Speech Therapy
If you struggle with 'g', practice by focusing on the velar placement.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Pronunciation Clue

Remember, 'velar' sounds involve the back part of your tongue touching the soft part of the roof of the mouth.

Illustration for Pronunciation Clue
The 'k' in 'kangaroo' is pronounced with a velar technique.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Visualize Mouth

Touching the soft palate with your tongue helps visualize where 'velar' sounds are formed.

Illustration for Visualize Mouth
Try saying 'go' and feel where the velar contact happens.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Speech Therapy

Understanding 'velar' can be helpful in speech therapy to correct pronunciation issues.

Illustration for Speech Therapy
If you struggle with 'g', practice by focusing on the velar placement.
Visual representation of the word "Velar"

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