intercom

American  

[in-ter-kom] / ˈɪn tərˌkɒm /

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.

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intercom British  

/ ˈɪntəˌkɒm /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of intercom

First recorded in 1935–40; by shortening

Example Sentences

The interview was interrupted by the voice of Mrs. O’Leary over the intercom.

From Literature

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

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

This month, the security company Verkada, which sells cameras, alarms and intercoms, announced it raised capital at a $5.8 billion valuation.

From The Wall Street Journal

Everyone jumps a bit as the intercom box on the wall squawks to life and we hear the high-pitched voice of Mrs. Dithers, the administrative assistant.

From Literature

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