speak ‧ er S2 W2 /ˈspiːkə $ -ər/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Word Family: adjective : ↑ unspeakable , ↑ speechless , ↑ outspoken , ↑ spoken ≠ ↑ unspoken ; noun : ↑ speaker , ↑ speech ; verb : ↑ speak ; adverb : ↑ unspeakably ]
1 . someone who makes a formal speech to a group of people
speaker at
the guest speaker at the conference
The keynote speaker (=main or most important speaker) was Robert Venturi, the architect.
after-dinner speaker (=someone who makes a speech after a formal meal)
2 . someone who speaks a particular language
French-speaker/Spanish-speaker etc
speaker of
Some English words are difficult for speakers of other languages.
a native speaker of Chinese
3 .
the part of a radio, ↑ sound system etc where the sound comes out
4 . formal someone who says something:
Pay attention to the body language of the speaker.
5 . the Speaker an official who controls discussions in a parliament
6 . the Speaker of the House the politician who controls discussions in the House of Representatives in the US Congress
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + speaker
▪ a public speaker
He was a good public speaker.
▪ an after-dinner speaker (=someone who makes speeches after formal meals)
As every after-dinner speaker knows, a joke or two is always much appreciated.
▪ the guest speaker
The guest speaker will be the Secretary of State for Health.
▪ the keynote/main speaker (=the most important speaker)
the keynote speaker at the seminar, Dr Paul Messina