loudspeaker

American  

[loud-spee-ker] / ˈlaʊdˌspi kər /

noun

1. any of various devices, usually electronic, by which speech, music, etc., can be intensified and made audible throughout a room, hall, or the like.

2. Audio.

   1. a device for transforming electric signals into audible sound, most frequently used to reproduce speech and music.

   2. speaker.

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loudspeaker British  

/ ˌlaʊdˈspiːkə /

noun

1. Also called: reproducer.  Sometimes shortened to: speaker.  a device for converting audio-frequency signals into the equivalent sound waves by means of a vibrating conical diaphragm

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Etymology

Origin of loudspeaker

First recorded in 1880–85; loud + speaker

Example Sentences

Just across the street, Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” played over a loudspeaker as protesters gathered in front of the burned husk of the historic 1924 Business Block Building.

From Los Angeles Times

They drove vans equipped with loudspeakers through the affected areas, urging residents to stay with friends or relatives elsewhere if possible, use mobile phones sparingly and ensure they have torches at hand.

From Barron's

“Andrew, I’m telling you, my mom is good at this stuff. Remember when we went to Kings Island and I wandered off? Remember she somehow got on the loudspeaker?”

From Literature

Evacuation sirens blared, and loudspeakers warned anyone within earshot to leave the area.

From Literature

He was still working at Oppenheimer and Co.—Steve and Vinny had already left—and some authoritative-sounding voice came over the loudspeaker to announce that no one was to leave the building.

From Literature

Related Words

• bullhorn
• megaphone
• public address system