vocalism

[ voh-kuh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. Phonetics.
   1. a vowel, diphthong, triphthong, or vowel quality, as in a syllable.
   2. the system of vowels of a language.
2. the use of the voice, as in speech or song.
3. the act, principles, or art of singing.

vocalism

/ ˈvəʊkəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the exercise of the voice, as in singing or speaking
2. singing, esp in respect to technique or skill
3. phonetics
   1. a voiced speech sound, esp a vowel
   2. a system of vowels as used in a language

Word History and Origins

Origin of vocalism¹

First recorded in 1860–65; vocal + -ism

Example Sentences

I hear no such vocalism now, in spite of the elaborate and expensive opera that is put on each year.

From Project Gutenberg

The aged pianist had often listened to her vocalism with enraptured gaze, and she believed he, too, was her slave.

From Project Gutenberg

It was not musical, nor beautiful, but was the weirdest, strangest vocalism I ever heard.

From Project Gutenberg

The more completely you get inside a character the less, also, are you obliged to depend on brilliant vocalism.

From Project Gutenberg

The vocalism at this service was by about sixty children and ten ladies of the regular choir.

From Project Gutenberg