loudspeaker

loudspeaker — noun

1. a device that makes sounds louder so that many people can hear them at once, typ

1.nounB1
Definition

a device that makes sounds louder so that many people can hear them at once, typically installed in public places such as train stations, airports, stadiums, or shopping centres

Example

A voice over the loudspeaker warned passengers about a delay on the southbound line.

over the loudspeaker + that-clause for announcements

The coach grabbed the loudspeaker to call out each player's name before the match started.

grab/use + loudspeaker + to-infinitive purpose

Common collocations
  • over the loudspeaker
  • on the loudspeaker
  • through the loudspeaker
  • loudspeaker announcement
  • loudspeaker system
  • come over the loudspeaker
  • hear over the loudspeaker
Synonyms
  • speaker

    shorter, everyday term; can refer to any size of audio device

  • PA system

    abbreviation for 'public address system'; refers to the whole setup, not just one unit

  • megaphone

    a handheld, cone-shaped device; portable but less powerful than a loudspeaker

Usage Note

Often used with prepositions over, on, or through: 'announced over the loudspeaker', 'heard on the loudspeaker'. The plural form loudspeakers is common when referring to a system with multiple units.

Common Mistakes

The teacher said it through loudspeaker' (no article).
The teacher announced it over the loudspeaker.
loudspeaker usually needs a determiner (a/the/loudspeakers).
I bought a new loudspeaker for my laptop' (when you mean a small desktop speaker).
I bought a new speaker for my laptop.
loudspeaker refers to large public-address devices; personal computer speakers are just called speakers.

2. a feature on a smartphone that makes the call audio come through the device's bu

2.nounB1
Definition

a feature on a smartphone that makes the call audio come through the device's built-in speaker so your ear does not need to touch the phone

Example

Ritu put the call on loudspeaker so everyone in the room could hear the conversation.

put + call/phone + on loudspeaker for group listening

When the signal was weak, Christopher switched to loudspeaker to hear his mother better.

Common collocations
  • put on loudspeaker
  • switch to loudspeaker
  • loudspeaker function
  • loudspeaker mode
  • turn on loudspeaker
  • call on loudspeaker
  • use loudspeaker
Synonyms
  • speakerphone

    the standard American English term for this phone function

  • hands-free

    broader term; also refers to Bluetooth headsets and car kits

Usage Note

Commonly called speakerphone in American English. On smartphones, this function is activated by a speaker icon on the call screen. Also referred to informally as hands-free mode.

Common Mistakes

I put the loudspeaker on' (sounds like turning on a physical device).
I put the call on loudspeaker.
the setting applies to the call, not a separate device.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Loudspeaker, speaker, PA system, and megaphone all refer to devices that amplify sound, but they differ in size, context, and formality. Loudspeaker is the most precise term for the fixed equipment used in public venues like train stations and sports stadiums. Speaker is a broader, more casual word that covers everything from a phone's tiny audio driver to a large concert setup — it is also the everyday term for personal computer audio devices. PA system (short for 'public address system') refers to the complete installation including microphones, amplifiers, and multiple loudspeakers, commonly found in schools or shopping centres. Megaphone describes a portable, handheld cone that amplifies the user's voice directly — it does not require electricity and is typical at outdoor protests or sports events. For example: 'The station manager made an announcement over the loudspeaker.' 'I bought new speakers for my computer.' 'The school's PA system broke during assembly.'

loudspeaker ↗speaker ↗PA systemmegaphone

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • put on loudspeaker
  • switch to loudspeaker
  • hear over the loudspeaker
  • come over the loudspeaker

Prepositions

Etymology

EnglishOld English (hlūd + specan)Modern English (loudspeaker)

Loudspeaker is a compound word formed from 'loud' (meaning producing a strong sound) and 'speaker' (a person or thing that speaks or produces sound). The term first appeared in the early 1920s, when engineers needed a name for the new electric devices that could broadcast radio programmes and public announcements to large audiences. Before electric amplification, people used megaphones or simply shouted; the loudspeaker made it possible for a single voice to reach thousands of listeners at once.