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

Rather than issuing an order over the camp’s loudspeaker, the men drove the short distance in their trucks and ferried loads of girls toward the higher ground of the Rec Hall.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Imad al-Bahtimi plays Eid chants on a loudspeaker at his stall to help "attract children and spread joy among the people".

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

This technique records electrical activity between the inner ear and the brain using small electrodes placed on the animals while short bursts of sound are played through a small loudspeaker.

From Science Daily • Mar. 12, 2026

We had just been assured that we would soon be boarding our train from Brussels when the news came down over a loudspeaker, in four languages.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 19, 2026

He drove to construction sites and broadcast the menu of the day through a loudspeaker.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago

Related Words

• bullhorn
• megaphone
• public address system