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

• chair
• chairman
• chairperson
• moderator
• president
• presider
• prolocutor

Examples of speaker in a Sentence

I disagree with the last speaker.

He is an excellent public speaker.

Recent Examples on the Web

What Happens Next As Republicans are expected to have a slim 219 to 215 seat majority when the House convenes on Friday, only a small number of defections could kill Johnson's bid to continue as speaker. —George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024

And if that was all too much for them, Rodgers threw in a stereo speaker and a bottle of Devils River bourbon. —Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024

The House is set to vote on a speaker when the new Congress convenes on Friday, with the lower chamber unable begin the business of a new legislative session without a speaker in place. —Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 30 Dec. 2024

Johnson picked up support from the Republican conference earlier this year to continue serving as speaker, but some Republicans haven't committed to backing him this week. —Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 29 Dec. 2024

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

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