speaker

noun

speak·​er ˈspē-kər 

1

a

: one that speaks

especially : one who uses a language

native speakers of French

b

: one who makes a public speech

c

: one who acts as a spokesperson

2

: the presiding officer of a deliberative assembly

Speaker of the House of Representatives

3

: loudspeaker

speakership

ˈspē-kər-ˌship 

noun

Synonyms of speaker

• chairperson
• moderator
• president
• chairman
• presider

Examples of speaker in a Sentence

I disagree with the last speaker.

He is an excellent public speaker.

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, Waterloo Records’ spacious new store, a short walk up Lamar Boulevard from the crowded old one, boasted a larger stage, a café-bar with funky old speakers and artwork celebrating the city’s iconic music spots. —Thor Christensen, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026

The festival featured an art exhibition of student work, interactive workshops and professional speakers. —Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

Weekly gathering of photography enthusiasts for hands-on learning, program speakers, contests, field trips, and sharing of photography expertise. —Staff Report, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2026

This year’s speakers will be joined by our inaugural cohort of Semafor World Economy Principals — applications are now open here. —Rachel Keidan, semafor.com, 18 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing speaker

• guest speaker
• keynote speaker
• native speaker
• public speaker

Rhymes for speaker

• beaker
• meeker
• seeker
• sneaker
• weaker
• loudspeaker

Kids Definition

speaker

noun

speak·​er ˈspē-kər 

1

: a person who speaks

2

: a person who conducts a meeting (as of a legislature)

3

: loudspeaker

Legal Definition

speaker

noun

speak·​er

often capitalized

: the presiding officer of a deliberative assembly

Speaker of the House