ventriloquism

noun

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

ventriloquial

ˌven-trə-ˈlō-kwē-əl 

adjective

ventriloquially

ˌven-trə-ˈlō-kwē-ə-lē 

adverb

Examples of ventriloquism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But one of her first awards for the sort of ventriloquism that would shape her career came from channelling a woman like her mother. — Casey Cep, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

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

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

Writing lyrics for a fictional band is a peculiar act of ventriloquism. — Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

ventriloqu(ist) + -ism

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1