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

Not long ago, the Diamondbacks paused a game for a moment to announce over the public address system that Vargas had been named the National League player of the month for April.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

The 79-year-old was introduced to fans over the public address system and pumped his fists in acknowledgement before saluting during the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner as military jets flew over.

From BBC • Sep. 26, 2025

When it was announced over the public address system, she stared at the big screen in the arena waiting for the result.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 5, 2024

The public address system played the Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever.”

From Seattle Times • Jun. 1, 2024

During the next hour, we listened as gallery letters were called over B-block’s public address system, which squawked so unintelligibly.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Related Words

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• megaphone