noun
tannoy
TA-noy
noun
1
A public address system used to make announcements over loudspeakers.
"A voice crackled over the tannoy announcing the train had been delayed."
How to Use Tannoy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA loudspeaker announcement system, commonly used in stations, airports, and schools.
UK vs US
Chiefly British usage; Americans would typically say "PA system" or "intercom".
Word Forms
tannoyed past tense, tannoys plural, tannoys singular
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A voice crackled over the _____ announcing the train had been delayed.
Etymology
Originally a trademark belonging to Tannoy Ltd, a British maker of public address equipment; the brand name itself blended "tantalum" and "alloy", referring to a component used in their early amplifiers.