megaphone

[ meg-uh-fohn ]

noun

1. a cone-shaped device for magnifying or directing the voice, chiefly used in addressing a large audience out of doors or in calling to someone at a distance. Compare bullhorn.

verb (used with or without object)

, meg·a·phoned, meg·a·phon·ing.

1. to transmit or speak through or as if through a megaphone.

megaphone

/ ˌmɛɡəˈfɒnɪk; ˈmɛɡəˌfəʊn /

noun

1. a funnel-shaped instrument used to amplify the voice See also loud-hailer

Derived Forms

• ˌmegaˈphonically, adverb
• megaphonic, adjective

Other Words From

• meg·a·phon·ic [meg-, uh, -, fon, -ik], adjective
• mega·phoni·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of megaphone¹

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80; mega- + -phone

Related Words

• bullhorn
• public address system