amplifier

noun

am·​pli·​fi·​er ˈam-plə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

: one that amplifies

specifically : an electronic device (as in a stereo system) for amplifying voltage, current, or power

Examples of amplifier in a Sentence

He plugged his electric guitar into an amplifier.

Recent Examples on the Web

That single call across a river in 1876 laid foundational ideas for switching networks, amplifiers, long-distance cables, undersea fiber optics, satellites, and ultimately, mobile networks and the internet. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025

The team connected the device to a circuit board with an amplifier – to boost faint UVA signals – and a Bluetooth chip to send real-time data to a user's smartphone. —New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025

Communication is a cognitive amplifier. —Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2025

Diego Andrés Martinelli — who helped open the music venue Public Records in New York City, where some of the world’s best DJs grace state-of-the-art sound systems — and sound engineer Darrien Williamson equipped the bar with its speakers, amplifiers, turntables and mixer. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 21 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

amplify + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing amplifier

• amplifier host

Rhymes for amplifier

• clarifier
• classifier
• gasifier
• magnifier
• modifier
• multiplier
• occupier
• pacifier
• purifier
• qualifier
• quantifier
• rectifier

Kids Definition

amplifier

noun

am·​pli·​fi·​er ˈam-plə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

: one that amplifies

especially : a device usually using electron tubes or transistors to obtain an increase of voltage, current, or power

Medical Definition

amplifier

noun

am·​pli·​fi·​er ˈam-plə-ˌfī(ə)r 

: one that amplifies

specifically : an electronic device (as in a computer or sound-reproducing system) for amplifying voltage, current, or power