ventriloquial

[ ven-truh-loh-kwee-uhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or using ventriloquism.

Other Words From

• ventri·loqui·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ventriloquial¹

1830–40; ventriloqu(y) ( def ) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

This museum houses the largest collection of ventriloquial figures and memorabilia in the world.

From The Guardian

In her drawn and written introduction to “The Best American Comics 2008,” Ms. Barry copies other cartoonists’ styles, demonstrating the ventriloquial skills that helped her learn her craft.

From New York Times

In other words, think pieces, reportage, travelogues, lectures and memoirs are in some sense strained, inauthentic, ventriloquial.

From New York Times

Further research led us to Beverly Messegee, an entertainer whose act includes ventriloquial yodelling with Erich, her inanimate sidekick.

From BBC

Oleaster, Grand Inquisitor of Portugal, in a work published at Lisbon in 1656, mentions a woman of the name of Cecilia who was brought before the court, and expressed herself in a ventriloquial voice, which she said was that of one Peter John, who had been dead for many years; but Peter John pleaded in vain for his hostess, for, despite his abdominal eloquence, she was sentenced to be transported.

From Project Gutenberg