intercom

[ in-ter-kom ]

noun

1. a communication system within a building, ship, airplane, local area, etc., with a loudspeaker or receiver for listening and a microphone for speaking at each of two or more points.
2. a microphone or receiver of such a communication system.

intercom

/ ˈɪntəˌkɒm /

noun

1. informal.
   an internal telephone system for communicating within a building, an aircraft, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercom¹

First recorded in 1935–40; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercom¹

C20: short for intercommunication

Example Sentences

Then she pressed the alert button on an intercom attached to the wall.

From Los Angeles Times

At one massive home nearby, a man who answered via intercom said he had not heard anything about the vandalism.

From Los Angeles Times

Shortly before 6 a.m., a Delta representative took to the intercom at LAX to tell passengers that the airport was still allowing planes to land, but that for the time being all flights were grounded.

From Los Angeles Times

Only by being on the air live and remaining in touch with New York headquarters through a dedicated intercom was she able to remain in contact with the network’s control room.

From Los Angeles Times

The organization also better secured its internal files, got new cellphones and laptops, and added new intercom and doorbell screening systems.

From Salon

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