speaking tube

American  

noun

1. a tube for conveying the voice over a somewhat limited distance, as from one part of a building or ship to another.

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speaking tube British  

noun

1. a tube or pipe for conveying a person's voice from one room, area, or building to another

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Etymology

Origin of speaking tube

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

She said that many details in the heroine’s life – “her speaking tube, her scars, her tattoos, her hairdresser” – came directly from what she told Ms Dahdouh.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2024

Discovering the dumb waiter’s speaking tube, they apologize for the empty state of the larder.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 12, 2021

Attached to the wall next to a door is a brass speaking tube that he used to call down for lunch.

From Washington Post • Sep. 14, 2016

Public domain There were, indeed, many patents issued for various components of speaking tube systems between 1860 and 1890, usually for communication within a single building.

From Scientific American • Jul. 23, 2012

Schaffer signaled down the speaking tube and had his assistant strike Box 342.

From "The Great Fire" by Jim Murphy