speaker
gb/spˈikɚ/ us/spˈikɚ/
A2
English
~ 1100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Person who speaks to an audience
A person who talks to a group of people.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is the speaker at [event]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'speaker' with 'spokesperson'; a spokesperson represents an organization, while a speaker may simply be giving a talk.
Synonyms
presenter (Often used for someone introducing or hosting events rather than delivering a formal speech.)
|
lecturer (Usually refers to someone giving an educational talk, especially in academic settings.)
Antonyms
listener (The opposite role in communication; someone who hears rather than speaks.)
Collocations
guest speaker
|keynote speaker
|motivational speaker
|public speaker
Themes
communication
|public speaking
|events
|education
|work
Examples
- The conference invited a well-known speaker to open the event.
- She was the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony.
- Our guest speaker shared inspiring stories about overcoming challenges.
Learner examples
- The speaker told us about his job.
- A famous speaker came to our school.
- The speaker talked for one hour.
Noun
A2
entity
2
Device that plays sound
A machine that makes sound, often for music or voices.
Usage pattern:
connect [something] to the speaker
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'speaker' (device) with 'headphones'; headphones are worn on the ears and used for personal listening.
Synonyms
loudspeaker (A more formal or technical term, often used in public address systems.)
Antonyms
microphone (Captures sound instead of producing it.)
Collocations
Bluetooth speaker
|loudspeaker system
|wireless speaker
|speaker volume
Themes
technology
|music
|electronics
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I connected my phone to the Bluetooth speaker.
- The speakers in the theater are very powerful.
- Please turn down the speaker volume.
Learner examples
- The music comes from the speaker.
- I bought a new speaker for my room.
- The speaker is very loud.
Noun
B1
entity
3
Person who speaks a language
Someone who can talk in a certain language.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a [language] speaker
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think 'native speaker' means 'perfect speaker'; it only means someone learned the language from birth.
Synonyms
communicator (General term for someone who conveys information; less specific to language identity.)
Antonyms
non-speaker (Someone who does not speak a particular language.)
Collocations
native speaker
|fluent speaker
|non-native speaker
Themes
language
|communication
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She is a native Spanish speaker.
- Fluent English speakers are in high demand for this job.
- The program pairs learners with experienced speakers of the language.
Learner examples
- I am a native English speaker.
- He is a good French speaker.
- She is not a Japanese speaker.
Noun
B2
entity
4
Leader of legislative assembly meetings
The person in charge of meetings in some government groups.
Usage pattern:
the Speaker of [assembly]
Synonyms
chairperson (General term for someone leading a meeting; not specific to legislative contexts.)
Collocations
Speaker of the House
|Deputy Speaker
Themes
politics
|government
|law
Examples
- The Speaker of the House called the session to order.
- The Speaker ensured that all members followed parliamentary rules.
- She was elected Speaker after serving for many years as a representative.
Learner examples
- The Speaker leads the meeting.
- The Speaker is an important person in government.
- They chose a new Speaker last week.
Grammar
Dictionary form
speaker
IPA
GB/spˈikɚ/
US/spˈikɚ/
Syllables & stress
speak - er (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (speak)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: speaker
- Plural: speakers
Word family
Forms
speakers
noun
Related words
spokesperson
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
speechless
adjective B1
Advanced or less common
outspoken
adjective
Expressions
guest speaker
1/ɡˈɛst spˈikɚ/
fixed phrase
Invited person giving a talk at event
A person invited to speak at an event.
Examples
- We have a guest speaker for tonight’s lecture.
- The guest speaker talked about climate change.
keynote speaker
1/kˈinˌoʊt spˈikɚ/
fixed phrase
person giving the main speech
The person who gives the most important speech at a big meeting or conference.
Examples
- The keynote speaker opened the conference with an inspiring story.
- She was chosen as the keynote speaker for the global health summit.
- She was chosen as the keynote speaker because of her expertise.
- The keynote speaker will discuss the future of renewable energy.
- Organizers are still looking for a keynote speaker who can attract a wider audience.
native speaker
1/nˈeɪtɪv spˈikɚ/
fixed phrase
Person fluent from birth in language
Someone who learned a language as their first language from birth.
Examples
- He is a native English speaker.
- She is a native speaker of Japanese.
- Native speakers often use idioms naturally.
- We need a native speaker to check this translation.