WordGarden.iospeaker
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /spˈiːkə/
US
- /ˈspikər/
Meanings
Noun
a person who gives a speech, talk, or presentation
a device that converts audio signals into sound
a person who speaks a particular language
More meaningsFewer meanings
the presiding officer of a legislative body
Beyond the definition
A speaker is often a person who talks, gives a speech, or addresses a group. It might be a guest speaker at a school, a public speaker at an event, or a native speaker of a language. But "speaker" can also mean the device that plays sound from a phone, computer, TV, or music system.
In politics, "the Speaker" can also mean the person who leads a legislative body, such as the House of Representatives. In that role, the person keeps order and directs debates.
The word "speaker" has several common meanings. Most often, it refers to a person who speaks. This may be someone giving a talk, making a presentation, or addressing a crowd. A guest speaker at a university, a keynote speaker at a conference, and a public speaker at an event all fit this meaning. The word is also used in language learning and linguistics, as in "native speaker" or "French speaker," to mean a person who speaks that language.
The word also refers to a device that produces sound. A phone speaker, a car speaker, or a speaker in a home audio system all play music, voices, or other audio. In this sense, it names the part that lets you hear what is being played.
In government and parliamentary use, "the Speaker" is also a formal title. It means the person who presides over a legislative body, leads debates, and maintains order. Because it is a title in this use, it is often capitalized.
So the word can point to a person who speaks, a device that plays sound, or an official who leads debate in a lawmaking group. The meaning usually becomes clear from the context.
Examples
- 1
Presentation order
The first speaker introduced the main idea in a few simple points.
- 2
Guest talk
We invited a guest speaker to talk to the students about climate change.
- 3
Public speaking
She's a confident speaker, even in front of large crowds.
- 4
Native language
As a native speaker of Korean, he noticed the mistake right away.
- Patternnative speaker of + language
someone who learned that language first as a child
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Language survival
The village has only a few speakers of the old language left.
- Patternspeakers of + language
people who can speak it
- 6
Audio equipment
The music sounded strange because one speaker wasn't working.
- 7
Portable device
I keep a small Bluetooth speaker in the kitchen for podcasts.
- 8
Phone call
Put the phone on speaker so we can all hear.
- Phraseon speaker
using the phone's speaker so people nearby can hear
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- speakernoun
Forms
- speakerspluralnoun