Definition & Meaning of "labial"

What is "labial"?

Labial refers to sounds produced using the lips as the primary articulators. These sounds can be classified as either bilabial, where both lips come together, or labiodental, where the lower lip contacts the upper teeth. In English, examples of labial sounds include the bilabial consonants "p" in "pat," "b" in "bat," and "m" in "mat," as well as the labiodental consonant "f" in "fan" and "v" in "van." Labial sounds are important in phonetics because they contribute to the variety of speech sounds and help distinguish words based on their pronunciation.