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

The footage also shows a federal agent at one point using a portable speaker to order the group to disperse. —Sean Emery, Oc Register, 15 Jan. 2026

Gathering of photography enthusiasts for hands-on learning, program speakers, contests, field trips, and sharing of photography expertise. —Staff Report, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2026

After hearing from more than 30 speakers among the standing-room-only crowd, the school board voted unanimously to table the discussion and return to it later. —Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026

Several also asked council members to ensure at least three minutes per speaker moving forward. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Jan. 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