amplifier

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

|Updated on: 18 Jun 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

Sonos says the Beam has four woofers, one tweeter, three passive radiators, and five class-D digital amplifiers built in.

— jeff dunn, Ars Technica, "Sonos launches a new mini soundbar, pegs AirPlay 2 support for July," 6 June 2018
And for guitarists, another advantage to the pedal was getting a dirty sound reliably without damaging the amplifier’s speakers.

— terence mcardle, Washington Post, "Glenn Snoddy, Nashville engineer who brought ‘fuzz tone’ to rock, dies at 96," 30 May 2018
As Control System Designer Sarah Sheldon describes it, the system's microwave pulses rely on a collection of arbitrary waveform generators, mixers, and amplifiers.

— john timmer, Ars Technica, "Quantum computing’s future is almost semi-here—are we ready for it?," 16 Mar. 2018
Each component of these award-winning speakers – from the amplifier to the cables and, of course, the loudspeakers – has been developed by engineers in France.

— devin alessio, ELLE Decor, "Ryan Serhant Takes Us Inside A Real-Life Million Dollar Listing," 17 June 2016
Disconnected from the usual trappings of a concert stage — there were no amplifiers, microphone stands, display screens, or even cords and wires — the musicians were free to intermingle in orchestrated movement as Byrne writhed among their ranks.

— erik ernst, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "David Byrne delivers in a deceptively stripped-down, sold-out show at Riverside Theater," 16 May 2018
The optional seven-speaker Bose audio system available on SV and SL models uses an amplifier that draws less power than the old Leaf's.

— mike spinelli, Popular Mechanics, "2013 Nissan Leaf Test Drive," 30 Apr. 2013
The wearable sound amplifiers were sold directly through websites, TV ads, and at stores including CVS, Walgreens and Walmart, federal officials said.

— wayne k. roustan, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Feds order Deerfield Beach company to pay $500,000 for claim they can make people hear '30 times better'," 3 May 2018
Legendary jazz guitar player Charlie Christian made history playing a Gibson ES-150 — one of the first ever electric guitars — through an amplifier with the Benny Goodman orchestra.

— Washington Post, "Gibson guitars could have future under bankruptcy protection," 3 May 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

in the meaning defined above

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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

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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

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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

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amplifier

medical Definition of amplifier

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