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

The McIntosh turntable at the front has an acrylic platter that glows blue, while a stack of McIntosh amplifiers and five-foot-tall speakers by the Italian brand Sonus faber stand beneath a portrait of a young, smiling Stevie Wonder. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 24 Nov. 2025

The High-Level Input connects directly to the speaker outputs of the main amplifier. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 14 Nov. 2025

Typically, wide-bandwidth amplifiers rely on thin, short crystals, while high-efficiency systems need long crystals. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 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

Word History

Etymology

amplify + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1551, 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