beatboxing

[beet-bok-sing]

noun

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.

Origin of beatboxing

1985–90,Americanism; beatbox (verb) + -ing¹

beatbox

or beat-box

[beet-boks]

noun

drum machine.

Slang. boom box.

verb (used without object)

to simulate the sounds and rhythms of percussion instruments or a drum machine by using the mouth and voice: Have you ever heard someone beatbox like that?

Origin of beatbox

An Americanism dating back to 1975–80; beat + box¹

Related formsbeat·box·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for beatboxing

beatboxing

noun

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

Derived Formsbeatboxer, noun

beatbox

noun

informal a drum machine

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012