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
ˌven-trə-ˈlō-kwē-əl How to pronounce ventriloquism (audio)
adjective
ventriloquially
ˌven-trə-ˈlō-kwē-ə-lē How to pronounce ventriloquism (audio)
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.
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 His knack for ventriloquism combined with his spot-on singing impressions wowed viewers, resulting in Fator earning the grand prize. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025 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 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

Browse Nearby Words

ventriloquial
ventriloquism
ventriloquist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ventriloquism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ventriloquism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ventriloquism

Nglish: Translation of ventriloquism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ventriloquism

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