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

See Examples For:

vocalism

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

Mr. Schumacher’s score is a collage of John Cage-like found sound that features some fascinating effects of turning vocalism into abstract vibration and meter.

From New York Times ● Dec. 13, 2015

The delicacy of vocalism, the movement, the tone of sentiment, and the manliness of condition—the royal fibre of a great mind—in the act of withdrawal from the senate, was right and beautiful.

From Shadows of the Stage by William Winter