Search Dictionary
Definition of dorsal

dorsal

/ˈdɔːr.səl/
dor · sal
Adverb:dorsally
•
Plural:dorsals
JUMP TO:

dorsal Lexical Profile

dorsal Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Of, on, or relating to the upper side or back of an animal, plant, or organ.

Example

"The shark's prominent dorsal fin sliced cleanly through the surface of the water."

2

Articulated with the back of the tongue (in phonetics).

Example

"Velar and uvular consonants are classified by linguists as dorsal sounds."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dorsal
Antonyms
View all antonyms for dorsal

• noun

1

An ornamental hanging or tapestry suspended at the back of an altar, throne, or choir stall in a church.

Example

"The cathedral's high altar was backed by a richly embroidered silk dorsal."

2

A consonant sound articulated with the back (dorsum) of the tongue.

Example

"In articulatory phonetics, velar stops are grouped under the category of dorsals."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dorsal
Antonyms
View all antonyms for dorsal

• Rhymes for dorsal

• Nearby Words

dormouse
doronicum
dorotheanthus
dorsal
dorsiflex
dortmund
dory

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Medieval Latin dorsalis, derived from Classical Latin dorsum ('back').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dorsal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dorsal
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.