ventriloquist

noun

ven·​tril·​o·​quist ven-ˈtri-lə-kwist How to pronounce ventriloquist (audio)
: one who uses or is skilled in ventriloquism
especially : one who provides entertainment by using ventriloquism to carry on an apparent conversation with a hand-manipulated dummy
ventriloquistic adjective

Examples of ventriloquist 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.
Rounding out the ensemble cast are Fred Melamed (Barry), Angela Witherspoon (The Family Business), Mara Marini (The Maginot Line), Paul Witten (The Residence), Kim Cloutier (Shoresy), and ventriloquist Willie Tyler & Lester. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025 Lionsgate is developing a remake of Magic, a 1978 cult horror classic that featured Anthony Hopkins as a mentally unstable ventriloquist. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025 Or that it was lifted from the name of a ventriloquist's dummy, Mortimer Snerd, created by radio performer Edgar Bergen. Joe Hernandez, NPR, 20 Aug. 2025 Other presentations in the reading program included a Hawk Talk birds of prey presentation, a ventriloquist act by Marc Griffiths, Kathryn the Grape music for kids, Fleet Science Center science lesson, and Ralph’s World fun music for kids. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ventriloquist

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin ventriloquus "person who appears to produce speech sounds from within his or her body (as during spirit possession or under control of a deity)" (from Latin ventr-, venter "belly, abdomen" + -i- -i- + -loquus, agent derivative of loquī "to speak") + -ist entry 1 — more at venter, eloquent

Note: The Late Latin word was coined as a translation of Greek engastrímythos.

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ventriloquist was circa 1656

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Cite this Entry

“Ventriloquist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ventriloquist. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

ventriloquist

noun
ven·​tril·​o·​quist ven-ˈtril-ə-kwəst How to pronounce ventriloquist (audio)
: a person skilled in speaking in such a way that the voice seems to come from a source other than the speaker
ventriloquism
-ˌkwiz-əm
noun
Etymology

from Latin ventriloquus "ventriloquist," from ventr-, venter "stomach, belly" and loqui "to speak"; so called from the early belief that the voice is produced in the ventriloquist's stomach

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