verb / noun

yodel

YOH-dul/ˈjəʊdl/

Singing that rapidly alternates between a normal voice and a high falsetto voice.

The singer yodels, switching quickly between her normal and falsetto voices.

Yodel: to sing with rapid changes between normal and falsetto voice.

Etymology

yodelGermanto sing with changes into and out of falsetto

German jodeln is based on jo, a cry of joy. That exclamation underlies the name for the Swiss and Tyrolese singing style that alternates rapidly between ordinary voice and falsetto.

More examples

His yodel echoes across the valley.
She learns to yodel by practicing quick shifts into falsetto.
The song ends with three lively yodels.

Forms

yodel · yodels · yodeled · yodeling

yodeler noun — Someone who sings with rapid register shifts.

Similar words

sing: Covers vocal music generally, not specifically rapid shifts into falsetto.
warble: Describes melodious, wavering singing without requiring changes in vocal register.