intercom
Americannoun
-
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.
-
a microphone or receiver of such a communication system.
noun
Etymology
Origin of intercom
First recorded in 1935–40; by shortening
Explanation
An intercom is a device that makes it possible for people to communicate between different rooms or areas of a building. Airplanes use intercoms so the pilot can tell passengers, "Fasten your seat belts!" Many schools have an intercom system, so that students, teachers, and administrators can broadcast announcements to every classroom. Some intercoms operate as one-way communication, while others are two-way intercoms: a friend's apartment building might have an intercom you can speak into, telling her you've arrived, and she can respond, telling you she's buzzing you in. Intercom, dating from 1940, is a shortened form of intercommunication.
Vocabulary lists containing intercom
The Skin I'm In
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Liar & Spy
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Corruption of Hollis Brown
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Each room is equipped with an intercom to contact guards if needed.
From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026
The red brick building that houses the apartment is also home to 26 other units and offers several high-end communal amenities, including an elevator, laundry room, and video intercom entry.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 4, 2026
Upon landing, the flight attendant’s voice rang over the intercom to give us the usual spiel as our aircraft made its way to the jet bridge.
From Salon • Jan. 11, 2026
After trying each of the buzzers on the road I was unable to find the owner of the fence, however Nick Sawyer, a resident on the road did answer his intercom and shared his views.
From BBC • Oct. 31, 2025
An attendant’s voice had said over the intercom, “Is there a doctor aboard?”
From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French
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.
