speaker

noun

speak·​er ˈspē-kər How to pronounce speaker (audio)
Synonyms of speakernext
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 How to pronounce speaker (audio)
noun

Synonyms of speaker

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Examples of speaker in a Sentence

I disagree with the last speaker. He is an excellent public speaker.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The latest revelations about Welch come as the speaker on Wednesday made the rounds of several media outlets in an effort to shore up support for his leadership amid increasing scrutiny. — Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 During the news conference, speakers emphasized that expungement benefits everyone — not just people with old criminal records like Stewart and Woods. — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026 O’Hare booted members of the public from the room for the meeting for disrupting decorum, instead inviting speakers to address the commissioners one-by-one. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2026 There were cheers and boos as more than 60 speakers took the stand, each having three minutes allotted at the podium. — CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for speaker

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

Phrases Containing speaker

Rhymes for speaker

See All Rhymes for speaker

Browse Nearby Words

speakeasy
speaker
speakeress
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Speaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speaker. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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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
: loudspeaker

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

Nglish: Translation of speaker for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about speaker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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