vocalism

American  

[voh-kuh-liz-uhm] / ˈvoʊ kəˌlɪz əm /

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.

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vocalism British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of vocalism

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.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

What emerges is a feast of vocalism from four multidimensional characters — played by women — who go through epic transformation, and two stock-character men who don’t.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2021

These young singers, culled through rigorous nationwide auditions, consistently deliver blazing vocalism and stagecraft of the highest quality.

From Washington Post • Aug. 13, 2017

These are performances of grandeur, tenderness and wit, clothed in robust and beautiful vocalism.

From Washington Times • Oct. 14, 2014

Though her success had been so brilliant, she relaxed no effort in self-improvement, and studied assiduously both vocalism and the piano.

From Great Singers, First Series Faustina Bordoni To Henrietta Sontag by Ferris, George T. (George Titus)