To sing by rapidly alternating between a natural chest voice and a higher register.
Reach for it when describing the specific vocal technique rather than any high or wordless singing
The folk singer began to yodel, and the audience answered the refrain.
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
everyday
call
Fits when projecting the voice across distance is the function
Careful A call can be spoken or held in one register with no yodel.
everyday
sing
Fits when the broad vocal activity is enough
Careful Singing includes countless techniques and does not identify register alternation.
professional
vocalize
Fits when producing voice without words is the neutral activity
Careful Vocalizing says nothing about the rapid break between registers.
formal
ululate
Fits when a long wavering cry is culturally and technically accurate
Careful Ululation is a different vocal practice and should never be substituted merely because the sound is unfamiliar.
literary
warble
Fits when light, ornamented, birdlike singing is the effect
Careful Warbling uses trills or melodic turns and is not the same technique as yodeling.
learn to yodel
She learned to yodel from a teacher who explained the regional style.
begin to yodel
At the final verse, two singers begin to yodel in close harmony.
yodel across the valley
The herder would yodel across the valley rather than strain to shout.
Keep in mind
Yodel names a specific technique. Warble and ululate are related vocal actions, not interchangeable synonyms.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: EncycloPetey, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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