noun
Uncommon
spokesperson
SPOHKS-purr-suhn
Spokesperson (noun) means a person, regardless of gender, who speaks officially for a person, group, or organization. Example: “The charity's spokesperson explained why donations had dropped.”
noun
1
A person, regardless of gender, who speaks officially for a person, group, or organization.
"The charity's spokesperson explained why donations had dropped."
"A spokesperson for the airline apologized for the delays."
How to use spokesperson
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe gender-neutral term for the official voice of an organization.
When to use it
This is now the standard, preferred term in most professional and journalistic writing.
Easily confused with
spokesman →
spokeswoman
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Word forms
- Plural
- spokespersons, spokespeople
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The charity's _____ explained why donations had dropped.
Etymology
Formed on the same pattern as "spokesman," with the gender-neutral "-person" swapped in.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for spokesperson
person
Gerson
Emerson
Pierson
Iverson
Anderson
Paterson
Peterson
Amberson
Jefferson
Henderson
Patterson
See all rhymes for spokesperson →
Frequently asked questions
What does “spokesperson” mean?
The word “spokesperson” means a person, regardless of gender, who speaks officially for a person, group, or organization. In plain terms, the gender-neutral term for the official voice of an organization.
How do you pronounce “spokesperson”?
“Spokesperson” is pronounced SPOHKS-purr-suhn (/ˈspoʊksˌpɝsən/ in IPA).
How do you use “spokesperson” in a sentence?
Here is “spokesperson” used in a sentence: “The charity's spokesperson explained why donations had dropped.”
What part of speech is “spokesperson”?
“Spokesperson” is a noun.
Is “spokesperson” a common word?
“Spokesperson” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a spokesperson and a spokesman or spokeswoman?
Spokesperson is a gender-neutral term for someone who speaks officially on behalf of a person, group, or organization, while spokesman and spokeswoman specify the gender of that individual. Spokesperson is generally preferred in modern professional and journalistic writing when gender is irrelevant or unknown.
Is spokesperson used in formal or informal contexts?
Spokesperson is a formal, professional term typically used in news reports, press releases, and official communications rather than casual conversation. It signals that the individual has authority to speak officially for an organization.
Can a spokesperson represent an individual, not just a company?
Yes, a spokesperson can officially represent a single person, such as a celebrity or public figure, in addition to representing a company, government agency, or other group. The role is defined by speaking on someone else's behalf, not by the size of who they represent.
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