Definition

Noun: A performer, typically an entertainer, who has the skill of speaking without moving their lips visibly, creating the illusion that their voice is coming from elsewhere, most commonly from a puppet or dummy that they manipulate.

Usage

A ventriloquist is an entertainer who performs the art of ventriloquism. The core of the act is the illusion that the puppet or dummy is speaking independently. The ventriloquist must skillfully control their lip and jaw movements while projecting their voice.

Examples

• The famous ventriloquist and his dummy, Charlie, had the audience laughing for an hour.
• She trained for years to become a professional ventriloquist.
• At the talent show, a young ventriloquist performed a hilarious routine with a frog puppet.

Advanced Usage

• Ventriloquist's dummy/figurine: The specific type of puppet, often made of wood, used by a ventriloquist.
  • The ventriloquist's dummy had a very expressive face.
• The term can be used metaphorically to describe a person who appears to be speaking for themselves but is actually controlled by another.
  • The corrupt politician was merely a ventriloquist's dummy for the powerful lobbyists.

Variants and Related Words

• Ventriloquism (n): The art or skill of a ventriloquist; "throwing one's voice."
  • He is studying the ancient art of ventriloquism.
• Ventriloquial (adj): Pertaining to ventriloquism or a ventriloquist.
  • The ventriloquial effect was so convincing it was unnerving.
• Ventriloquize (v): To practice or perform ventriloquism.
  • He can ventriloquize so well you'd swear the doll was alive.

Synonyms

• Voice thrower: (Less common) A performer who can project their voice to seem distant.
• Puppeteer: While a puppeteer manipulates a puppet, they may not necessarily practice ventriloquism. A ventriloquist is a specific type of puppeteer who provides the voice.

Idioms and Phrases

• To be a ventriloquist for (someone/something): To act as the mouthpiece or spokesperson for another person or group, often implying a lack of original thought.
  • The press secretary was accused of being just a ventriloquist for the administration's talking points.

Noun

1. a performer who projects the voice into a wooden dummy