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

Just as we returned to the press box, the next hitter was announced over the public-address system: “Shohei Ohtani!”

From Los Angeles Times

After completing his warmup pitches with Rage Against the Machine’s “Bulls on Parade” blaring on the Dodger Stadium public-address system, Buehler went into his windup with the signature high leg-kick and fired his first pitch, a 96-mph fastball, by Miami leadoff hitter Jazz Chisholm Jr. for strike one.

From Los Angeles Times

But then a disembodied voice wafted soothingly over the public-address system.

From New York Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• bullhorn
• megaphone