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

Notable Senate candidates left off the list of speakers include Ashley Hinson of Iowa and Dan Sullivan of Alaska, both running in toss-up races that could decide control of the Senate. — Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026

The state’s public hearing on that permit drew more than 300 people, and every speaker opposed it. — Austyn Gaffney, Scientific American, 9 Sep. 2026

In avoiding the war, speakers instead focused on issues that are popular with the GOP and proven to fire up the base, including immigration enforcement and tax cuts. — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

Applause followed most of the speakers from those who supported their respective sides of the issue. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 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