Speaker: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers to the person delivering a speech or presentation in a public setting.

• The speaker captivated the audience with her stories
• As the keynote speaker, he addressed the crowd on current issues

Device designed to project sound over a large area, often used in public announcements or large events.

• The announcement was made over the loudspeaker
• During the concert, the loudspeaker system malfunctioned

Specific term for a device designed to play audio, often used in technical contexts.

• The audio speaker has excellent sound quality
• You can connect your phone to the audio speaker via Bluetooth

Use 'speaker' when referring to someone who is speaking to an audience in a general sense. It is a broad term suitable for various settings, including casual, formal, and professional environments.

• The keynote speaker at the conference shared valuable insights on technology trends.
• As the speaker for tonight's event, she will be discussing the importance of mental health.

Use 'orator' to describe a skilled and eloquent speaker, often in the context of formal speeches or public speaking events. It implies a higher level of prowess in speechmaking.

• The renowned orator captivated the audience with his powerful and inspiring words.
• She was known as a brilliant orator who could sway opinions through her speeches.

Use 'lecturer' when referring to an academic professional who is giving an educational talk, often in a college or university setting. It suggests a more formal and instructional context.

• The lecturer explained complex theories in a way that was easy to understand for all the students.
• As a lecturer at the university, he teaches a variety of courses in engineering.

Use this to describe someone who is talking in a formal or public setting, or someone who speaks a particular language.

• The speaker at the conference delivered an inspiring speech.
• She is a fluent speaker of three languages.

Typically used in a more general or technical context to describe someone who uses a language, focusing more on practical usage rather than fluency or proficiency.

• As a beginner language user, he struggles with grammar.

Refers to someone who studies languages and their structure, often in an academic or professional context.

• The linguist was fascinated by the complexities of endangered languages.
• She became a linguist because of her love for understanding different languages.