beatboxing

[ beet-bok-sing ]

noun

1. a musical style or technique, especially in hip-hop, in which the sounds and rhythms of percussion instruments or a drum machine are simulated by using the mouth and voice:

   We heard some amazing beatboxing last night.

beatboxing

/ ˈbiːtˌbɒksɪŋ /

noun

1. a form of hip-hop music in which the voice is used to simulate percussion instruments

Derived Forms

• ˈbeatˌboxer, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of beatboxing¹

1985–90, Americanism; beatbox (verb) + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Carter made use of the club’s subwoofers with his flashlight, putting his humorously sharp beatboxing party starter skills on display to test the limits of the Kookaburra’s sound system.

From Los Angeles Times

He left behind an incredible legacy, celebrated for his beatboxing prowess, turntable mastery and the 1989 classic “Just a Friend.”

From Seattle Times

The wisps of rap and folk songs early on, backed by sparse arrangements of acoustic guitar, vocalizations and beatboxing, are more texture than fully realized numbers.

From Seattle Times

The show combines music, poetry, break dancing and beatboxing as it follows two teens navigating adolescence in the confines of a hospital room.

From Seattle Times

Now, One Great Vegan is a fully fledged collaboration with a producer that features Reyes singing and dancing on camera and Anderson beatboxing in the background.

From Washington Post