spokesman
Americannoun
-
a person who speaks for another or for a group.
-
a public speaker.
noun
Gender
See -man.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of spokesman
Explanation
A spokesman is a representative, someone who speaks for a group. The spokesman of your French club, for example, might announce the date of your bake sale during your school's morning announcements. You can use the noun spokesman whenever you're talking about an official speaker, a person who communicates information about a company, organization, or other group. It's most common to refer to a man in this position as a spokesman — a more inclusive term for males or females is spokesperson. Spokesman has been around since the 1500's, but spokesperson wasn't first used until the 1970's.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said earlier that Pakistani strikes had hit targets in the provinces of Kunar, Khost and Paktika.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
The prime minister's spokesman declined to comment, referring reporters to the earlier statement from MHCLG.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
A Boeing spokesman said the company has sped up seeker production by adding robotic equipment and finding new suppliers to provide parts like circuit cards.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
China also called on the two sides to refrain from fighting, with foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian saying that "resuming hostilities is not in any party's interest".
From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026
"A spokesman for Franklin says he's keeping a low profile due to press harassment and unfounded accusations."
From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
