ventriloquist
What does "ventriloquist" mean?
A ventriloquist is a performer who has mastered the art of speaking or vocalizing in a way that the sound seems to come from somewhere else, typically a puppet or a dummy. The mental image is of someone sitting with a wooden doll on their knee, moving the doll’s mouth while keeping their own lips as still as possible to create the illusion of a separate, living character. While historically associated with vaudeville and variety shows, the term is used today to describe both traditional puppeteers and those who use advanced vocal techniques to create "thrown voices." It is a specialized performance skill that requires significant practice in breath control and lip discipline to prevent the audience from seeing the performer’s mouth movements.
"ventriloquist" in conversation
At a talent show
I can't believe how realistic that dummy looks!
I can't believe how realistic that dummy looks!
I know, right? The ventriloquist didn't even move his lips once.
I know, right? The ventriloquist didn't even move his lips once.
Notice how 'ventriloquist' is used to describe the performer specifically.
Discussing childhood fears
Did you ever watch those old ventriloquist acts on TV?
Did you ever watch those old ventriloquist acts on TV?
Oh, definitely. They were always a little bit creepy to me.
Oh, definitely. They were always a little bit creepy to me.
The word is often associated with a specific genre of vintage performance art.
"ventriloquist" in a sentence
The ventriloquist sat on the stage with his puppet.
The ventriloquist sat on the stage with his puppet.
She practiced for hours to become a professional ventriloquist.
She practiced for hours to become a professional ventriloquist.
The ventriloquist's ability to throw his voice left the entire audience baffled.
The ventriloquist's ability to throw his voice left the entire audience baffled.
