speaker

noun

speak·​er ˈspē-kər 

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

: loudspeaker

speakership

ˈspē-kər-ˌship 

noun

Synonyms

• chair
• chairman
• chairperson
• moderator
• president
• presider
• prolocutor

Examples of speaker in a Sentence

I disagree with the last speaker.

He is an excellent public speaker.

Recent Examples on the Web

Starting in the 1950s, Hattie Leeper entertained and informed Charlotte residents for decades when her voice came through their radio speakers. —Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2025

The downside is the speakers, which aren't great, and overall the body feels a little plasticky. —Christopher Null, WIRED, 17 Feb. 2025

Other specs that seem more settled include a mono speaker cooked in, plus a 3.5-mm audio jack and 2-channel stereo output. —Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 17 Feb. 2025

The Goldman report noted expectations that more than 3 million BYD cars will adopt advanced driver-assist this year, and pointed out that since the systems are pricier than, say an automotive speaker, that will increase how much revenue BYD Electronics can generate per car. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing speaker

• guest speaker
• keynote speaker
• native speaker
• public speaker

Kids Definition

speaker

noun

speak·​er ˈspē-kər 

1

: a person who speaks

2

: a person who conducts a meeting (as of a legislature)

3

: loudspeaker

Legal Definition

speaker

noun

speak·​er

often capitalized

: the presiding officer of a deliberative assembly

Speaker of the House