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

Mr Jones made a speech that was amplified through a public address system to the crowd.

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2025

The flight attendant jumped on the plane’s public address system and announced Zachary’s great fortune to the other passengers.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2024

Julio Rodriguez stood on first base with his hands in the air in disbelief as home plate umpire Bill Miller’s voice rang through the public address system of T-Mobile Park.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 14, 2024

At Los Alamos, most scientists first heard the news over the public address system.

From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• bullhorn
• megaphone