speaker
SPEE-kuh
Speaker (noun) means a device that converts electrical signals into sound. Example: “He plugged his phone into the Bluetooth speaker.”
noun
1
A device that converts electrical signals into sound.
"He plugged his phone into the Bluetooth speaker."
"One speaker in the car stopped working, so the music sounded thin."
"She placed a small speaker on the shelf to play her favourite songs."
2
A person who is speaking or who gives a speech.
"The keynote speaker talked for almost an hour."
"The guest speaker asked the audience to put their phones away."
"Each speaker had five minutes to explain their idea to the class."
3
The presiding officer of certain legislative bodies, such as the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.K. House of Commons.
"The Speaker called the House to order."
"The Speaker asked members to be quiet so the debate could continue."
"As Speaker, she decides who may talk next during the debate."
How to use speaker
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who talks or gives a speech, a device that plays sound, or (capitalized) the head of certain parliaments.
Common pairings
guest speaker
native speaker
loudspeaker
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Word forms
- Plural
- speakers
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He plugged his phone into the Bluetooth _____.
Etymology
From Old English speca/spreca, "speaker," built from speak plus the agent suffix -er.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for speaker
See all rhymes for speaker →Frequently asked questions
What does “speaker” mean?
The word “speaker” means a device that converts electrical signals into sound. In plain terms, someone who talks or gives a speech, a device that plays sound, or (capitalized) the head of certain parliaments.
How do you pronounce “speaker”?
“Speaker” is pronounced SPEE-kuh (/ˈspikɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “speaker” in a sentence?
Here is “speaker” used in a sentence: “He plugged his phone into the Bluetooth speaker.”
What is another word for “speaker”?
Words with a similar meaning to “speaker” include talker.
What part of speech is “speaker”?
“Speaker” is a noun.
Where does the word “speaker” come from?
The word “speaker” comes from Old English. From Old English speca/spreca, "speaker," built from speak plus the agent suffix -er.
Is “speaker” a common word?
“Speaker” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “speaker” have?
“Speaker” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device that converts electrical signals into sound.
What is the difference between a speaker and a microphone?
They are opposites in function. A speaker converts electrical signals into sound you can hear, while a microphone converts sound into electrical signals to be recorded or transmitted. In fact the two contain similar parts — a diaphragm and magnet — working in reverse of each other.
How does a speaker work?
A speaker receives an electrical audio signal and passes it through a coil sitting within a magnetic field. The changing current makes the coil and an attached cone vibrate, pushing the air back and forth. Those air vibrations travel to your ears, where they are heard as sound.
What are the types of speakers?
Speakers come in many forms, including bookshelf and floor-standing models for home audio, portable Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, and studio monitors. Within a single unit, different drivers handle different frequencies: woofers reproduce low bass, tweeters produce high treble, and subwoofers deliver the deepest tones.
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