speaker

speaker — noun

1. a person who talks to a group of people at a formal event or meeting, often abou

1.nounA2
Definition

a person who talks to a group of people at a formal event or meeting, often about a particular topic

Example

Paloma was nervous before her speech, but the speaker before her calmed everyone down.

countable noun for a person delivering a formal talk

The conference organisers are still looking for a speaker for the opening session.

speaker + for + event / time slot

Common collocations
  • guest speaker
  • keynote speaker
  • public speaker
  • after-dinner speaker
  • inspiring speaker
Synonyms
  • presenter

    more common for short talks at work meetings or conferences

  • lecturer

    specifically a person who teaches at a university

  • orator

    formal or literary term for a skilled public speaker

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

adjective + speaker

speaker + for + event

Common Mistakes

I was the speaker of my school graduation.
I gave a speech at my school graduation.
'speaker' describes the role, not the action; use 'give a speech' for the activity itself.

2. a person who uses a particular language to communicate, especially as their main

2.nounB1
Definition

a person who uses a particular language to communicate, especially as their main or first language

Example

Niran is a fluent speaker of three languages: English, Malay, and Mandarin.

fluent speaker of + language(s)

The dictionary is designed for learners, not for native speakers of English.

native speaker of + language — person who learned the language from birth

Common collocations
  • native speaker
  • fluent speaker
  • non-native speaker
  • speaker of English / Mandarin / Spanish

Grammar Patterns

speaker of + language

native speaker of + language

fluent speaker of + language

Usage Note

In everyday conversation, 'I speak Chinese' is more natural than 'I am a speaker of Chinese.' The noun form 'speaker' is most common with modifiers such as 'native,' 'fluent,' or 'non-native.'

Common Mistakes

I am a speaker of Chinese.
I speak Chinese.
Using 'speaker of' in simple self-description sounds overly formal; use the verb 'speak' instead.

3. a piece of equipment that plays sound from a radio, television, computer, or mus

3.nounA2
Definition

a piece of equipment that plays sound from a radio, television, computer, or music player

Example

Samir plugged the speakers into his laptop so everyone could hear the music.

plural form 'speakers' for a pair or set

The right speaker on the TV stopped working, so sound came from only one side.

positional modifier: right / left / front speaker

Common collocations
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • wireless speaker
  • computer speaker
  • speaker system
  • speaker volume
Synonyms
  • loudspeaker

    more formal or technical term, often used for large public-address systems

  • sound system

    broader term that includes speakers plus amplifier and other components

Antonyms
  • headphones

    ear-worn device for private listening instead of open sound

  • earphones

    small in-ear listening device

Grammar Patterns

adjective + speaker

speaker + noun

Common Mistakes

I can't hear — the speaker is low.
I can't hear
the speaker volume is low.' — 'Low' alone is ambiguous; specify what is low (volume, battery, position).

4. a mode on a telephone that plays the caller's voice through a loudspeaker so tha

4.nounB1
Definition

a mode on a telephone that plays the caller's voice through a loudspeaker so that you do not need to hold the phone to your ear

Example

Yuna put the call on speaker so her coworkers could hear the client's instructions.

put + call + on speaker — common expression

Hassan always uses speaker when driving, but he keeps the volume low.

uses speaker — no article before 'speaker'

Common collocations
  • on speaker
  • put on speaker
  • use speaker
  • switch to speaker
Synonyms
  • speakerphone

    the full compound noun describing the function or device

Antonyms
  • handset

    the part of the phone you hold to your ear

Grammar Patterns

on speaker

put + object + on speaker

Usage Note

In this sense, 'speaker' is uncountable and used without an article: 'on speaker' (not 'on a speaker' or 'on the speaker'). This is similar to 'on hold' or 'on mute.'

Common Mistakes

Put it on the speaker.
Put it on speaker.
When referring to speakerphone mode, no article is used before 'speaker.'

5. the elected official responsible for managing debates and enforcing rules in a p

5.nounB2
Definition

the elected official responsible for managing debates and enforcing rules in a parliament or law-making body

Example

The Speaker called for order when the debate became too loud.

capitalised 'the Speaker' as a formal title

Maeve watched from the gallery as the Speaker of the parliament managed a lively session.

Speaker of + [parliament / legislative body]

Common collocations
  • the Speaker
  • Speaker of the House
  • Mr Speaker
  • Madam Speaker
  • deputy speaker
Synonyms
  • chairperson

    general term for the person leading any meeting; less specific to parliaments

  • presiding officer

    formal term for someone who oversees a formal meeting or assembly

Grammar Patterns

the Speaker

Speaker + of + parliament name

Usage Note

When used as a title, 'Speaker' is always capitalised. The role is politically neutral — the Speaker does not vote or take sides in debates.

Common Mistakes

The speaker of the parliament voted on the new law.
The Speaker of the parliament did not vote on the new law.
In many systems, the Speaker remains neutral and does not vote except to break a tie.

Word family

  • speak
    verbA1
  • speech
    nounA2
  • spoken
    adjectiveB1
  • unspeakable
    adjectiveC1
  • spokesperson
    nounB2
  • spokeswoman
    nounB2
  • spokesman
    nounB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Speaker' is the broadest term for anyone who gives a talk to an audience, from a short conference presentation to a formal address. A 'presenter' typically hosts or introduces parts of an event, such as a TV show or awards ceremony, rather than delivering a persuasive or informative speech. A 'lecturer' teaches students at a college or university on a regular basis, so the role is institutional and instructional. An 'orator' describes someone who gives powerful, skilful speeches, often in formal or historical contexts. Use 'speaker' for a one-time event role, 'presenter' for a TV or event host, 'lecturer' for an academic teacher, and 'orator' when admiring eloquent public speaking.

speakerpresenterlecturerorator

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word 'speaker' comes from Old English 'specere', meaning 'one who speaks', formed from 'sprecan' (to speak) plus the agent suffix '-ere' (someone who does something). The sense of an electronic loudspeaker first appeared in the 1920s, when radio technology created a need for a word describing the device that 'speaks' sound to a group of listeners. The parliamentary title 'Speaker' dates back to medieval England, where the person chosen to 'speak for' the House of Commons to the king gradually became the chamber's presiding officer.