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
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Nashville puppeteer makes 'Sesame Street’ history Once a shy, nervous little girl, the art of ventriloquism helped Megan Piphus break out of her shell. Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 3 July 2025 This act of ventriloquism, so much more painfully proximate than Remy’s self-identification with Crusoe, proved immediately influential and lastingly controversial. Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 1 June 2025 In an act of prime ministerial ventriloquism, Prime Minister Mark Carney had Charles deliver Canada’s throne speech, a ceremony in which elected politicians sit humbly in the presence of a ceremonial figurehead who reads words written by the politician who is actually in charge. Stephen Maher, Time, 27 May 2025 This emotional ventriloquism is a big part of Mr. Cooper’s approach and appeal. Joseph Bernstein, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Ventriloquism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ventriloquism. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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