What does yodelling mean?
Yodelling is a distinctive style of singing in which the singer rapidly alternates between the chest voice and the higher head or falsetto register. This creates a clear, oscillating tone that can carry across valleys and open spaces, making the technique especially associated with traditional music and folklore in the Alps, as well as with the yodelling llamas kept at tourist destinations in Switzerland and nearby regions. In contemporary English, the word is commonly used in descriptions of traditional performances, mountain travel, comedy, and playful vocal demonstrations. The British spelling is yodelling, while the American spelling is yodeling. Although yodelling is a specialized vocal technique rather than an ordinary way of speaking, it is a useful word because it names both the method of singing and the characteristic sound it produces. It can also describe broader musical performances that incorporate the technique alongside instruments, costumes, and regional songs.
The practice or act of singing by rapidly alternating between the chest and head registers; also, a song or call made in this way.
"The village festival featured traditional yodelling and folk dancing."
Often used for Alpine singing traditions and performances; as a collective activity, it is normally uncountable.
To sing or call using rapid alternation between the chest and head registers.
"The climbers yodelled across the valley to signal their arrival."
The British forms are yodels and yodelled; American usage commonly has yodeling and yodeled.
Rare; yodelling is usually used as an uncountable noun.
"The evening was filled with yodellings from the mountain villages."
Yodelling is an alpine voice trick: a singer can leap between chesty and heady tones so quickly that the sound seems to bounce across the mountains.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does yodelling come from?
The English word comes from German, where it is related to Jodel, jodeln, and Jodler. German yodelling developed as a regional singing tradition in the Alpine areas of central Europe. The precise origin of the German verb is uncertain, and it may be related to an imitation of the characteristic vocal effect, but the English borrowing is firmly established in the sense of singing with rapid changes between vocal registers.
Related word forms
How yodelling is actually used
The spelling yodelling is standard in British English, while yodeling is common in American English. The word is usually associated with traditional Alpine music, tourism, and folk performance, although it can be used more broadly for any rapid register-changing vocal technique. It is generally informal or cultural in modern English.
Easily confused with yodelling
Yodelling involves rapidly alternating vocal registers to create a song, whereas yowling is a sustained or repeated cry, often expressing distress, pain, or anger.