vocative Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the case (in some inflected languages) used when the referent of the noun is being addressed
    vocative case.
  2. adjective relating to a case used in some languages
    • vocative verb endings

WordNet

Voc"a*tive adjective
Etymology
L. vocativus, fr. vocare to call.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to calling; used in calling; specifically (Gram.), used in address; appellative; -- said of that case or form of the noun, pronoun, or adjective, in which a person or thing is addressed; as, Domine, O Lord.
Voc"a*tive noun
Etymology
L. vocativus (sc. casus): cf. F. vocatif.
Definitions
  1. (Gram.) The vocative case.

Webster 1913