amplifier

noun am·pli·fi·er \ ˈam-plə-ˌfī(-ə)r \

Updated on: 10 Apr 2018

Definition of amplifier

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

See amplifier defined for English-language learners

See amplifier defined for kids

Examples of amplifier in a Sentence

He plugged his electric guitar into an amplifier.

Recent Examples of amplifier from the Web

The Harford County Board of Education requested $100,000 for bi-directional amplifiers that will improve radio coverage for SROs and other public safety personnel and $325,000 for school security camera upgrades.

— erika butler, The Aegis, "All Harford middle schools to have police officers by 2019; other enhanced security measures to be funded," 3 Apr. 2018
Among reports at the sheriff’s Ramona station: Monday, April 2 Runaway juvenile, 1200 block Main Street. Sunday, April 1 Male, 24, victim of petty theft involving two $500 speakers, a $200 amplifier and a $100 speaker box, 800 block 11th Street.

— Ramona Sentinel, "Sheriff's Reports: March 26 to April 2," 3 Apr. 2018
The box combines a digital-to-analog converter and an amplifier, two pieces of tech that improve the sound of the headphones by adding depth, clarity, and drama.

— wired staff, WIRED, "All the Gear We Loved in March," 31 Mar. 2018
The father of karaoke, Daisuke Inoue, shows off his 1971 invention the ‘8-Juke,’ a red-and-white wooden box that combined a microphone, amplifier and an eight-track tape player, in a 2002 photo at his office in Osaka, Japan.

— WSJ, "Like Karaoke but Can’t Sing? Introducing the Booth for One," 27 Mar. 2018
As a point of comparison, the Sonos One has a six-microphone array, two amplifiers, one tweeter, and one mid-woofer.

— jeff dunn, Ars Technica, "Apple’s HomePod: Paying $350 for a speaker that says “no” this much is tough," 14 Feb. 2018
Convenience for audiophiles is a pair of cans that don’t require a toaster-sized amplifier.

— vlad savov, The Verge, "Apple AirPods: the audiophile review," 19 Mar. 2018
Tired of dragging his keyboard and amplifier around in the middle of winter, Bahner decided to post a music video on YouTube.

— susan scutti, CNN, "Accidentally famous: The psychology of going viral," 16 Mar. 2018
Their records brought to the fore the visceral power of the relatively new electric guitars and amplifiers that were integral to the sound of rock 'n' roll.

— randy lewis, latimes.com, "Nokie Edwards, the Ventures' influential lead guitarist, dies at 82," 13 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'amplifier.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of amplifier

1546

AMPLIFIER Defined for English Language Learners

amplifier

noun

Definition of amplifier for English Language Learners

: a device that increases the strength of electric signals so that sounds played through an electronic system are louder

AMPLIFIER Defined for Kids

amplifier

noun am·pli·fi·er \ ˈam-plə-ˌfī-ər \

Definition of amplifier for Students

: a device that increases the strength of electric signals so that sounds played through an electronic system are louder

Medical Dictionary

amplifier

noun am·pli·fi·er \ ˈam-plə-ˌfī(ə)r \

medical Definition of amplifier

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

Learn More about amplifier

See words that rhyme with amplifier Spanish Central: Translation of amplifier Nglish: Translation of amplifier for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about amplifier

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up amplifier? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

amplifier

Definition of amplifier

Examples of amplifier in a Sentence

Recent Examples of amplifier from the Web

First Known Use of amplifier

AMPLIFIER Defined for English Language Learners

amplifier

Definition of amplifier for English Language Learners

AMPLIFIER Defined for Kids

amplifier

Definition of amplifier for Students

Medical Dictionary

amplifier

medical Definition of amplifier

Learn More about amplifier

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

traduce

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

True or False?

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

amplifier

Definition of amplifier

Examples of amplifier in a Sentence

Recent Examples of amplifier from the Web

First Known Use of amplifier

AMPLIFIER Defined for English Language Learners

amplifier

Definition of amplifier for English Language Learners

AMPLIFIER Defined for Kids

amplifier

Definition of amplifier for Students

Medical Dictionary

amplifier

medical Definition of amplifier

Learn More about amplifier

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes