ven·tril·o·quism
ven-ˈtri-lə-ˌkwi-zəm 
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
ven·tri·lo·qui·al
¦ven‧trə¦lōkwēəl
: of, relating to, resembling, or using ventriloquism
in his place, a disembodied, ventriloquial voice spoke for the Soviet leadership in carefully drafted … statements—
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Recent Examples on the Web
Brian Robin, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026
These words are fascinating to consider in relation to Soderbergh, who has flitted among genres and subjects with a facility that is easily mistaken for dilettantism, or even ventriloquism.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
Nicks then proceeded to do a little bit of jokey ventriloquism with the doll and eventually gave it away to a fan.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2025
In the trailer, Murphy does a shadow puppet of Donkey from Shrek, plays with his Richard Pryor ventriloquism dummy, jokes about haunting his house for years to come, and reveals his favorite show to watch on television: Ridiculousness.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ventriloquism
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Noun
The change in his voice literally sounds like the Cal State Fullerton men’s basketball coach is doing impromptu ventriloquism.
—Brian Robin, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026
These words are fascinating to consider in relation to Soderbergh, who has flitted among genres and subjects with a facility that is easily mistaken for dilettantism, or even ventriloquism.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
Nicks then proceeded to do a little bit of jokey ventriloquism with the doll and eventually gave it away to a fan.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2025
In the trailer, Murphy does a shadow puppet of Donkey from Shrek, plays with his Richard Pryor ventriloquism dummy, jokes about haunting his house for years to come, and reveals his favorite show to watch on television: Ridiculousness.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ventriloquism
Cite this Entry
“Ventriloquism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ventriloquism. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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