prompter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral; technical in theatre/performance contexts; occasionally figurative in general use.
Quick answer
What does “prompter” mean?
A person or thing that reminds or causes someone to do or say something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or thing that reminds or causes someone to do or say something; specifically, in theatre/performance, a person who helps actors remember their lines.
Any agent or device that prompts, reminds, or encourages action, including digital systems (e.g., teleprompter) and metaphorical uses (e.g., conscience as an inner prompter).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Teleprompter' is the standard term for the electronic device in both. No significant lexical variation.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with theatre and television. Slightly more formal when used outside these contexts.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties within performing arts contexts; less frequent in everyday metaphorical use.
Grammar
How to Use “prompter” in a Sentence
[prompter] + [of + NP] (e.g., prompter of action)[NP] + [serves as/acts as] + [prompter][verb + with/without] + [a/the prompter]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “prompter” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The actor glanced nervously towards the prompter in the wings.
- For the live broadcast, they hired an experienced teleprompter operator.
American English
- She worked her way up from being a prompter to a stage manager.
- The candidate relied heavily on the teleprompter during the debate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May refer to a device or person ensuring smooth flow in presentations (e.g., 'He used a teleprompter for the shareholder address').
Academic
Used in drama, theatre studies, and media studies to denote the traditional role. Figurative use in psychology/cognition (e.g., 'external prompters in memory tasks').
Everyday
Mostly understood via 'teleprompter' for news readers or speakers. Theatrical sense is common knowledge.
Technical
Precise term in performing arts for the person in the prompt corner. Also in broadcasting for teleprompter operators/technology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prompter”
- Using 'prompter' as a synonym for 'quick' (confusion with adjective 'prompt').
- Misspelling as 'promter'.
- Using it as a general verb (incorrect: 'He promptered me'; correct: 'He prompted me').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'prompter' is only a noun. The related verb is 'to prompt'.
A 'prompter' is usually a person (in theatre). A 'teleprompter' is an electronic device that displays text for a speaker to read, commonly used in TV and speeches.
Yes, e.g., 'Fear was the prompter of his actions' means fear prompted or caused his actions.
In professional theatre, especially for long runs or complex plays, prompters are still used. In TV/film, the role has largely been replaced by teleprompters and cue cards.
A person or thing that reminds or causes someone to do or say something.
Prompter is usually formal to neutral; technical in theatre/performance contexts; occasionally figurative in general use. in register.
Prompter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈprɒmptə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈprɑːmptər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “off script and without a prompter (acting entirely independently)”
- “a prompter in the wings (hidden source of help or reminder)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PROMPTer who gives PROMPTs to actors. It's literally their job description.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEMORY IS A SCRIPT / GUIDANCE IS A PROMPT (The prompter provides the script from the sidelines of memory.)
Practice
Quiz
In a modern context, a 'teleprompter' is primarily used by: