loudspeaker

/ˌlaʊdˈspiːkə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌlaʊdˈspiːkər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈlau̇d-ˌspē-kər/ (ame, mw)

loudspeaker — noun

  • loudspeakersingular
  • loudspeakersplural

1. a device that makes sounds louder so that many people can hear them at once, typ

1.名詞B1
釋義

a device that makes sounds louder so that many people can hear them at once, typically installed in public places such as train stations, airports, stadiums, or shopping centres

例句

A voice over the loudspeaker warned passengers about a delay on the southbound line.

over the loudspeaker + that-clause for announcements

The coach grabbed the loudspeaker to call out each player's name before the match started.

grab/use + loudspeaker + to-infinitive purpose

同義詞
  • speaker

    shorter, everyday term; can refer to any size of audio device

  • PA system

    abbreviation for 'public address system'; refers to the whole setup, not just one unit

  • megaphone

    a handheld, cone-shaped device; portable but less powerful than a loudspeaker

用法筆記

Often used with prepositions over, on, or through: 'announced over the loudspeaker', 'heard on the loudspeaker'. The plural form loudspeakers is common when referring to a system with multiple units.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher said it through loudspeaker' (no article).
✅The teacher announced it over the loudspeaker.
💡loudspeaker usually needs a determiner (a/the/loudspeakers).
❌I bought a new loudspeaker for my laptop' (when you mean a small desktop speaker).
✅I bought a new speaker for my laptop.
💡loudspeaker refers to large public-address devices; personal computer speakers are just called speakers.

2. a feature on a smartphone that makes the call audio come through the device's bu

2.名詞B1
釋義

a feature on a smartphone that makes the call audio come through the device's built-in speaker so your ear does not need to touch the phone

例句

Ritu put the call on loudspeaker so everyone in the room could hear the conversation.

put + call/phone + on loudspeaker for group listening

When the signal was weak, Christopher switched to loudspeaker to hear his mother better.

同義詞
  • speakerphone

    the standard American English term for this phone function

  • hands-free

    broader term; also refers to Bluetooth headsets and car kits

用法筆記

Commonly called speakerphone in American English. On smartphones, this function is activated by a speaker icon on the call screen. Also referred to informally as hands-free mode.

常見錯誤

❌I put the loudspeaker on' (sounds like turning on a physical device).
✅I put the call on loudspeaker.
💡the setting applies to the call, not a separate device.