ventriloquist

noun ven·tril·o·quist \ven-ˈtri-lə-kwist\

: a performer who is able to speak in a way that makes it appear that the words are being said by a large doll (called a dummy)

Full Definition of VENTRILOQUIST

: 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

— ven·tril·o·quis·tic \(ˌ)ven-ˌtri-lə-ˈkwis-tik\ adjective

See ventriloquist defined for English-language learners

See ventriloquist defined for kids

First Known Use of VENTRILOQUIST

circa 1656

VENTRILOQUIST Defined for Kids

ventriloquist

noun ven·tril·o·quist \ven-ˈtri-lə-kwəst\

Definition of VENTRILOQUIST for Kids

: a person skilled in speaking in such a way that the voice seems to come from a source other than the speaker

Word Root of VENTRILOQUIST

The Latin word loquī, meaning “to talk” or “to speak,” and its form locūtus give us the roots locu and loqu. Words from the Latin loquī have something to do with talking. An eloquent speaker speaks clearly and well. Elocution is the art of speaking or reading well in public. A ventriloquist is a person who speaks so that the voice seems to come from elsewhere.