ventriloquism

noun

ven·​tril·​o·​quism ven-ˈtri-lə-ˌkwi-zəm How to pronounce ventriloquism (audio)
1
: the production of the voice in such a way that the sound seems to come from a source other than the vocal organs of the speaker
2
: the expression of one's views and attitudes through another
especially : such expression by a writer through a fictional character or literary persona
ventriloquial adjective
ventriloquially adverb

Examples of ventriloquism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Predictably, this worldview spawned a pervasive racial ventriloquism. Nate Jones, Vulture, 20 Aug. 2024 There seems to be a ventriloquism in these conversations, which are expository and lecture-like. Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024 Seven miles south of Cincinnati, stranger still, the world’s only museum dedicated to ventriloquism. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 Smith is also eager to work with young people through ventriloquism, which served as her talent for the Miss America competition. Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 24 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for ventriloquism 

Word History

Etymology

ventriloqu(ist) + -ism

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ventriloquism was in 1775

Dictionary Entries Near ventriloquism

Cite this Entry

“Ventriloquism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ventriloquism. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on ventriloquism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!