megaphone

[meg-uh-fohn]

noun

1. a cone-shaped device for magnifying or directing the voice, chiefly used in addressing a large audience out of doors or in calling to someone at a distance.

verb (used with or without object)

megaphoned, megaphoning 

1. to transmit or speak through or as if through a megaphone.

megaphone

/ ˌmɛɡəˈfɒnɪk, ˈmɛɡəˌfəʊn /

noun

1. a funnel-shaped instrument used to amplify the voice See also loud-hailer

Other Word Forms

• megaphonic adjective
• megaphonically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of megaphone¹

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80; mega- + -phone

Example Sentences

Nobody is immune”; “If you’ve got a megaphone, hang on to it.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The megaphone, which will be available at Nook’s Cranny, can be used to locate fellow villagers by calling out their names.

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But in practice, it often serves as a megaphone for reactionary voices, particularly on issues of race, gender and trans identity.

Read more on Salon

Ackman has recently turned his megaphone to social issues, cementing his place among a brotocracy of the nation’s wealthiest men trying to dictate policy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Now, she requires each team to supply a referee to officiate the other teams’ events, and carries a megaphone to boost compliance.

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Related Words

• bullhorn 
• public address system