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

Before his speech, he had Trump on the phone on loudspeaker, who said "I love that Viktor".

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 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

Tests of the emergency alert and loudspeaker system at RAF Fairford, known as the Giant Voice, have been running since 10:30 GMT and are set to continue until 15:00.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

“Maybe someone’s set up another loudspeaker across the river,” she says.

From "The Knife of Never Letting Go" by Patrick Ness

Related Words

• bullhorn
• megaphone
• public address system