intercom

[in-ter-kom]

noun

1. a communication system within a building, ship, airplane, local area, etc., with a loudspeaker or receiver for listening and a microphone for speaking at each of two or more points.

2. a microphone or receiver of such a communication system.

intercom

/ ˈɪntəˌkɒm /

noun

1. informal,  an internal telephone system for communicating within a building, an aircraft, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercom¹

First recorded in 1935–40; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercom¹

C20: short for intercommunication

Example Sentences

“Everything OK back there?” he asked on the intercom.

From Los Angeles Times

George G. Green built for his daughter in 1912, was full of intact original details, like decorative tiles in the faculty bathroom, bronze sconces in the hallways and an old intercom system.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Wynter has written to Sir Sadiq Khan - who has overall responsibility for the Tube network - describing the intercom system as a failure and urging him to "fix it now".

From BBC

The court was told Bannister used an intercom at Tweedy's home in January 2024 and claimed he had "come to get Cheryl".

From BBC

"The buzzer/intercom system must have been provided because it was thought important to provide that additional means of communication between the prison and the outside world," Mr Furniss added.

From BBC

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