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

Example Sentences

“So why — when you have this amazing megaphone and this amazing ability to communicate — why would you cheapen your show by saying things like that?”

From Los Angeles Times

They are an essential megaphone in the never-ending conversation of our democracy.

From BBC

And some key spaces on the internet, like the broadcast world and the manosphere, draw many millions of male listeners/viewers and provide an incredibly powerful megaphone for Trump and MAGA.

From Salon

X, formerly known as Twitter, served as an online megaphone for Musk, who constantly shared his support for Trump during the election season.

From Los Angeles Times

A military vehicle has been driving through towns using a megaphone to warn of the expected storms.

From BBC

Related Words

• bullhorn
• public address system