megaphone

American  

[meg-uh-fohn] / ˈmɛg əˌfoʊn /

noun

1. a cone-shaped device for magnifying or directing the voice, chiefly used in addressing a large audience out of doors or in calling to someone at a distance.

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verb (used with or without object)

megaphoned, megaphoning

1. to transmit or speak through or as if through a megaphone.

megaphone British  

/ ˌmɛɡəˈfɒnɪk, ˈmɛɡəˌfəʊn /

noun

1. a funnel-shaped instrument used to amplify the voice See also loud-hailer

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Other Word Forms

• megaphonic adjective
• megaphonically adverb

Etymology

Origin of megaphone

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80; mega- + -phone

Compare meaning

How does megaphone compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• bullhorn vs. megaphone

Example Sentences

"We are a lifeline for the abused, a megaphone for the silenced, and a steadfast ally to those who risk everything to defend the rights of others."

From Barron's

He has a big enough stage, megaphone and profile to do the prime minister real damage, should he choose to do so.

From BBC

"But to have an effective relationship, we have direct conversations. We don't grab a megaphone and have the conversations that way."

From BBC

At the same time, Manzur has acknowledged that without the megaphone that millions of dollars in campaign funds provide, it’s harder to get her message to the voters who will decide the primary.

From Salon

On stage, the Harlem rapper descended on a floating helicopter of his own, megaphone in hand and pink curlers in his hair.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bullhorn
• public address system