speaker

noun

speak·​er ˈspē-kər How to pronounce speaker (audio)
1
a
: one that speaks
especially : one who uses a language
native speakers of French
b
: one who makes a public speech
c
: one who acts as a spokesperson
2
: the presiding officer of a deliberative assembly
Speaker of the House of Representatives
3
speakership noun

Examples of speaker in a Sentence

I disagree with the last speaker. He is an excellent public speaker.
Recent Examples on the Web The event drew in about 10,000 people in 2022 and included speakers Eric and Donald Trump Jr. Republican firebrand Eric Deters hosts the event from his Morning View farm, about 20 miles south of Cincinnati. Deters, an enthusiastic Donald Trump supporter, had to cancel the event last year. Jolene Almendarez, The Courier-Journal, 16 Mar. 2024 In rallies for parent notification and other culture war priorities, speakers have at times periodically characterized public schools as havens for molesters and for educators who want to groom students into what the speakers describe as deviant and unholy lifestyles. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Adrian College's choice of 2024 commencement speaker is stirring controversy on campus, with some critics worrying that the issue is pulling attention away from graduates. Detroit Free Press, 13 Mar. 2024 The views and opinions expressed by podcast speakers and guests are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions of Deloitte or its personnel. Fortune Editors, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2024 The Louisiana Republican — just four months into the powerful job as speaker, second in line to the presidency — is under intense pressure from all sides. Stephen Groves and Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2024 The event will include speakers, displays of local school artwork and science projects that are wildflower related, and items for sale, including books, seeds and plants, as well as an opportunity for raffle prizes. Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024 Those speakers were united in saying no cease-fire should happen without a release of all hostages. Cary Spivak, Journal Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2024 Here is one solution to put such vile remarks in their place: Immediately upon hearing any hate speech in the council chamber, the council members quietly walk out, returning only when the speaker is done. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'speaker.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of speaker was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near speaker

Cite this Entry

“Speaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speaker. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

speaker

noun
speak·​er ˈspē-kər How to pronounce speaker (audio)
1
: a person who speaks
2
: a person who conducts a meeting (as of a legislature)
3

Legal Definition

speaker

noun
speak·​er
often capitalized
: the presiding officer of a deliberative assembly
Speaker of the House

More from Merriam-Webster on speaker

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