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

Mr. Christopher is terrific as the brooding Anatoly, who after defecting sings the first-act curtain number, “Anthem,” with both plush vocalism and fiery emotion.

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Mr. Johnson added dense layers of guitar, saxophone and percussion, and a virtuosic solo part for live guitarist, with pitches, melodic motifs and rhythms derived from the recorded vocalism.

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At the Met, Bernheim played against type with his slippery vocalism and louche, jaded demeanor.

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Only the brutally written “Dirge” brings out rough cracks in his vocalism’s delicate veneer.

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“He’s so inventive with his vocalism,” she said.

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