noun
tannoy
TA-noy
Tannoy (noun) means a public address system used to make announcements over loudspeakers. Example: “A voice crackled over the tannoy announcing the train had been delayed.”
noun
1
A public address system used to make announcements over loudspeakers.
"Although the supermarket tannoy was bravely broadcasting Rigoletto, its meat counter was thick with wurst and its wine shelves loaded with Liebfraumilch."
— Christina Hardyment, Harlekins and Gondolas (1987)
"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".
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Word forms
- Plural
- tannoys
- Third person singular
- tannoys
- Past tense
- tannoyed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Rhymes for tannoy
See all rhymes for tannoy →Frequently asked questions
What does “tannoy” mean?
The word “tannoy” means a public address system used to make announcements over loudspeakers. In plain terms, a loudspeaker announcement system, commonly used in stations, airports, and schools.
How do you pronounce “tannoy”?
“Tannoy” is pronounced TA-noy (/ˈtænɔɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “tannoy” in a sentence?
Here is “tannoy” used in a sentence: “A voice crackled over the tannoy announcing the train had been delayed.”
What part of speech is “tannoy”?
“Tannoy” is a noun.
