bullhorn
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of bullhorn
Compare meaning
How does bullhorn compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
A bullhorn is a hand-held device that makes your voice sound much louder when you speak into it. You might address a crowd at a rally or protest by talking into a bullhorn. While in the US, most people know what a bullhorn is, in other places it's called a megaphone. Bullhorns amplify sound, sometimes simply using their cone-like shape, and in other cases using electricity. Anyone who needs to get the attention of a large or noisy group might use a bullhorn to be heard. The word may be based on the shape of a bull's horn, although experts aren't sure about its origin.
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.
Without a bullhorn or any sort of amplification, Bovino informed the crowd that they were being dispersed.
From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026
In preparation for the march, he had purchased a $20 bullhorn from Amazon and called the San Francisco Police Department to ask about a permit.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026
One man with a bullhorn cursed at immigration agents at the intersection, while another person waved the Mexican flag.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026
He was constantly barking orders to the Santas, bullhorn in hand.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025
Ahead of the crowd a lady with twists stands on top of a police car, holding a bullhorn.
From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas
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.
