ventriloquous

ventriloquous

A ventriloquous performer makes a puppet appear to speak.

Definition

Adjective: Relating to or characteristic of ventriloquism, the art of speaking in such a way that the voice appears to come from a source other than the speaker, typically a puppet or dummy.

Usage Examples
  • (Relating to the art of ventriloquism.)
  • (Involving the technique of speaking without moving the lips.)
  • (Characteristic of a ventriloquist's performance.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Ventriloquous effect": The auditory illusion created by a ventriloquist, where sound seems to originate from a different location than the actual source.

    • The magician used a ventriloquous effect to make the audience believe the statue was speaking. (The illusion of displaced sound.)
  • "Ventriloquous voice": A voice produced without visible lip movement, often used in theatrical or comedic contexts.

    • He maintained a ventriloquous voice throughout the entire skit, never breaking character. (A voice that appears to come from elsewhere.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Ventriloquism (n): the art or practice of speaking in such a way that the voice seems to come from a source other than the speaker.

    • She studied ventriloquism for years before performing on stage. (The technique of voice projection.)
  • Ventriloquist (n): a person who practices ventriloquism, often as a performer.

    • The ventriloquist made the wooden puppet appear alive. (A performer skilled in voice throwing.)
  • Ventriloquy (n): an alternative term for ventriloquism.

    • Ancient cultures sometimes viewed ventriloquy as a form of divination. (The practice of speaking from the belly.)
Synonyms
  • Voice-throwing: the act of projecting one's voice so that it seems to come from a different location.
  • Belly-speaking: an older term for ventriloquism, emphasizing the use of abdominal muscles.
Related Idioms
  • Throw one's voice: to make one's voice seem to come from a different place, as in ventriloquism.

    • The performer could throw his voice across the stage, startling the audience. (To project the voice deceptively.)
  • Speak from the belly: to speak using the diaphragm and abdominal muscles, often associated with ventriloquism.

    • In the circus, the old man claimed to speak from the belly, entertaining the crowd. (To produce sound from the abdomen.)