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

At one point nearly three hours into the meeting, Mayor White called a recess after audience members who were upset about time limits for speakers started shouting at the city clerk and members of the council. —Stacy Brandt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026

In the adjacent vinyl listening room, a 1,500-pound wall composed of vintage Japanese speakers creates an unexpected backdrop. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa — the first speaker, as drawn by lot — spoke of his upbringing in a home riven by alcoholism and domestic violence. —Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026

The Senate president and DeSantis are political allies while the House speaker is estranged after Andrade’s investigation into the Hope Florida saga and conflicts about how best to cut taxes. —Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 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