public-address system

American  

[puhb-lik-uh-dres] / ˈpʌb lɪk əˈdrɛs /

noun

1. a combination of electronic devices that makes sound audible via loudspeakers to many people, as in an auditorium or out of doors.

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public-address system British  

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: PA system.  a system of one or more microphones, amplifiers, and loudspeakers for increasing the sound level of speech or music, used in auditoriums, public gatherings, etc

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Etymology

Origin of public-address system

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

public-address system

Pop music blared from the public-address system through the entire game, even when pitches were about to be thrown.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 19, 2024

These needed to be kept at a distance from exploding pyrotechnics and angled away from the blare of the stadium’s public-address system.

From New York Times ● Dec. 2, 2023

“These are the true Yankees fans right here,” Trevino said in an interview broadcast on the Yankee Stadium public-address system, working the crowd on a cool and rainy night.

From Washington Times ● May 4, 2023

On Friday night, before a game against St. Louis, the Red Sox recognized Drago on the videoboard and a tribute was read over the public-address system.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 23, 2022

He revolutionized Pimlico, installing a public-address system and a modern starting gate and leveling out the large hill in the infield that had given the track its nickname—“Old Hilltop”—but obstructed the view of the races.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Related Words

• bullhorn
• megaphone