text-to-speech

American  

[tekst-tuh-speech] / ˈtɛkst təˈspitʃ /

Or text to speech

noun

Digital Technology.

1. a computerized, algorithmic process that converts digital text to audio output resembling human speech, such as the audio generated by screen readers (often used attributively): The updated text-to-speech software allows users to choose among four different voices and vary the speed of the synthetic speech. TTS

   Readers with dyslexia sometimes read in tandem with text-to-speech for improved comprehension.

   The updated text-to-speech software allows users to choose among four different voices and vary the speed of the synthetic speech.

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Etymology

Origin of text-to-speech

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

At work, she relied on a text-to-speech software called Job Access With Speech, or JAWS.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

She fed her script into a text-to-speech model and selected a female AI voice from ElevenLabs to speak for her.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

This particular podcast had a unique hook – they interviewed an AI-powered chat bot, equipped with text-to-speech software, to ask how it thought the use of AI would affect jobs in Hollywood.

From BBC • Aug. 31, 2024

Played with wry assurance by Madison Ferris, Lucy communicates using a text-to-speech tool built into her motorized scooter.

From New York Times • May 14, 2024

It's because the text-to-speech function on her end has to say everything out loud before she can type back an answer.

From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements