linkman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowformal/neutral in broadcasting; informal in sports contexts.
Quick answer
What does “linkman” mean?
A person who acts as a connecting element, especially a presenter who introduces and connects segments in a broadcast or a player connecting defence and attack in a team sport.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who acts as a connecting element, especially a presenter who introduces and connects segments in a broadcast or a player connecting defence and attack in a team sport.
A person or thing that facilitates communication or connection between groups, ideas, or systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Common in British English for a TV/radio presenter and in informal football commentary. Rare in American English, where 'anchor', 'host', or 'midfielder' are preferred.
Connotations
In the UK, it is a standard professional term in media and a familiar informal term in sports. In the US, it sounds archaic or overly British.
Frequency
Very low frequency in American English; low-to-medium in specific UK contexts (broadcasting, sports journalism).
Grammar
How to Use “linkman” in a Sentence
serve as a linkman between [X] and [Y]act as the linkman for [a group/programme]work as a linkmanVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May describe a person who liaises between departments.
Academic
Very rare. 'Intermediary' or 'liaison' is preferred.
Everyday
Uncommon. Might be heard in UK sports discussions or older broadcasting contexts.
Technical
Not used in technical jargon for networking; 'node' or 'router' are standard.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “linkman”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “linkman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “linkman”
- Using it in American contexts where 'host' is expected.
- Overusing it as a synonym for any connector in formal writing.
- Confusing it with 'linesman' (a sports official).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is of low frequency and is primarily used in specific British contexts like broadcasting or informal sports commentary.
Yes, the term is gender-neutral in professional contexts (e.g., a female presenter), though the '-man' suffix can seem dated. 'Link person' is a modern alternative.
'Host', 'anchor', or 'presenter' are the standard American equivalents.
Not in standard terminology. For a connecting program or device, terms like 'linker', 'router', or 'gateway' are used.
A person who acts as a connecting element, especially a presenter who introduces and connects segments in a broadcast or a player connecting defence and attack in a team sport.
Linkman is usually formal/neutral in broadcasting; informal in sports contexts. in register.
Linkman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪŋkmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪŋkmæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a chain LINK and a MAN holding the ends, connecting two separate parts.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIDGE or CONDUIT (a person/thing that allows passage or connection).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'linkman' most commonly used in British English?