spokesman
Spokesman (noun) means a man who speaks officially on behalf of a person, group, or organization. Example: “The company spokesman denied the rumors at a press conference.”
noun
1
A man who speaks officially on behalf of a person, group, or organization.
"President Moon Jae-in proposed the plan this week during a meeting with government officials, his spokesman said."
— VOA Learning English, archived from the original on 11 Mar 2019 (2019)
"Libyan war planes on Sunday sank one ship and attacked a second vessel near the eastern city of Benghazi, military spokesmen for the country's internationally recognized government said on Monday."
— Ayman Al-Warfalli, Libyan planes sink ship, attack another near Benghazi: spokesmen (2015)
"One study of popular escapistic communications indicates that the recipients regarded the heroes and spokesmen as "trustworthy models and guides.""
— United States. Congress. House. Committee on Post Office and Civil Service, Hearings (1959)
"The company spokesman denied the rumors at a press conference."
"A government spokesman confirmed the new policy this morning."
"A spokesman for the football club said the manager would speak on Friday."
How to use spokesman
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe official voice of an organization, specifically a man.
When to use it
Many publications now prefer the gender-neutral "spokesperson" unless the individual's gender is specifically relevant.
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Word forms
- Plural
- spokesmen
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company _____ denied the rumors at a press conference.
Etymology
Built from "spoke" (past participle of "speak") plus "man" — literally "one who has spoken for others."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for spokesman
See all rhymes for spokesman →Frequently asked questions
What does “spokesman” mean?
The word “spokesman” means a man who speaks officially on behalf of a person, group, or organization. In plain terms, the official voice of an organization, specifically a man.
How do you use “spokesman” in a sentence?
Here is “spokesman” used in a sentence: “The company spokesman denied the rumors at a press conference.”
What part of speech is “spokesman”?
“Spokesman” is a noun.
Is “spokesman” a common word?
“Spokesman” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "spokesman" and "spokesperson"?
"Spokesman" specifically refers to a man who speaks officially on behalf of a group or organization, while "spokesperson" is a gender-neutral term used regardless of the speaker's gender. Many organizations and style guides now prefer "spokesperson" as the default term. "Spokeswoman" is the equivalent term used specifically for a woman.
When is it appropriate to use "spokesman" instead of "spokesperson"?
"Spokesman" is appropriate when referring specifically to a man in that role, and it remains common in news writing and formal contexts. However, many publications now default to "spokesperson" when gender is unknown or irrelevant. Using "spokesman" for a woman would be considered incorrect.
Is "spokesman" used in formal or informal contexts?
"Spokesman" is typically used in formal contexts, such as news reports, press releases, and official statements from companies, governments, or organizations. It is not commonly used in casual conversation. The term signals an official, authorized voice rather than a personal opinion.
