speakerphone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Semi-formal / Technical / Business
Quick answer
What does “speakerphone” mean?
A telephone device with a microphone and loudspeaker, allowing hands-free conversation for multiple people to hear and be heard.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A telephone device with a microphone and loudspeaker, allowing hands-free conversation for multiple people to hear and be heard.
1. The integrated function on a landline phone or mobile device enabling a hands-free, amplified call mode. 2. Figuratively, the state of a conversation being held on such a device.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Both use 'speakerphone'. The compound spelling (without a hyphen) is standard in both.
Connotations
Identical in both variants.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American business contexts due to a higher prevalence of open-plan offices, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “speakerphone” in a Sentence
put NP on speakerphoneswitch/switch NP to speakerphonebe on speakerphoneuse speakerphone for NPVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Essential for multi-party conference calls, team briefings, and when taking notes during a call. 'Let me put you on speakerphone so the team can hear.'
Academic
Rare, except for administrative or departmental calls. Could be used in distance learning coordination.
Everyday
Used for convenience during household tasks, allowing multitasking while on a personal call.
Technical
Refers to the audio hardware/software subsystem in telecommunications devices.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “speakerphone”
- Using 'speakerphone' as a verb (e.g., 'I'll speakerphone you') is non-standard. Use 'put on speakerphone' or 'call on speaker'.
- Confusing 'speakerphone' with the device's external media speaker.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a single compound word, 'speakerphone'. It is not hyphenated in modern standard English.
Contextual. 'Speaker' often refers to the hardware for media playback. 'Speakerphone' specifically refers to the active telephony function for a two-way, hands-free call. You 'turn on the speakerphone', but 'the music comes from the speaker'.
No, it is not standard. Use phrasal verbs like 'put on speakerphone' or 'switch to speakerphone' instead.
Yes, it is generally considered a breach of phone etiquette. You should always inform the other party if others are present or if the call is on speakerphone, as it affects privacy and audio quality.
A telephone device with a microphone and loudspeaker, allowing hands-free conversation for multiple people to hear and be heard.
Speakerphone is usually semi-formal / technical / business in register.
Speakerphone: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspiː.kə.fəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspiː.kɚ.foʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be on speakerphone”
- “To put the world on speakerphone (figurative, meaning to be overly public)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a public SPEAKER (loudspeaker) built into your PHONE, letting everyone nearby hear and speak.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHONE IS A ROOM (When on speakerphone, the call occupies a shared physical space)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a speakerphone?