loudspeaker

[loud-spee-ker]

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.

loudspeaker

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of loudspeaker¹

First recorded in 1880–85; loud + speaker

Example Sentences

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

Read more on 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.

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Taiwanese personnel use radios, loudspeakers and LED signs to order the Chinese out.

Read more on Barron's

“The bomb has dropped!” roared a voice over the loudspeaker.

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The Houthis’ security headquarters features jail cells known as “squeezers” that are three feet long and under two feet wide, and hold prisoners incommunicado as loudspeakers broadcast speeches by Al-Houthi, the U.N. says.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bullhorn 
• megaphone 
• public address system