speaking trumpet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowHistorical, Technical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “speaking trumpet” mean?
A conical tube or horn used to amplify and direct a person's voice over a distance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A conical tube or horn used to amplify and direct a person's voice over a distance.
An antiquated acoustic device for communication; sometimes used metaphorically for any means of amplifying a message or making one's opinion heard.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference. The term is equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Historical; nostalgic; associated with sailing ships, town criers, or hearing aids of the past.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern spoken or written language. Found mainly in historical texts, museum descriptions, or period dramas.
Grammar
How to Use “speaking trumpet” in a Sentence
[subject] used a speaking trumpet to [verb] (e.g., hail the ship)[subject] shouted through a speaking trumpetVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “speaking trumpet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bosun was speaking-trumpeting orders across the dockyard. (rare, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The speaking-trumpet era predates the telephone. (attributive use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical or technological history papers discussing pre-electronic communication.
Everyday
Not used. A modern person would say 'megaphone' or 'bullhorn'.
Technical
Used in precise historical descriptions of antique devices.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “speaking trumpet”
- Calling a modern electric megaphone a 'speaking trumpet'.
- Confusing it with a musical trumpet.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Functionally, yes, both amplify sound. However, a speaking trumpet is a purely acoustic, non-electric, cone-shaped horn, while a megaphone can be electric.
Primarily from the 17th to the late 19th centuries, especially on sailing ships, in the military, and as early hearing aids.
You can find replicas or antiques from historical or maritime specialty shops, but they are not practical modern tools.
Almost never in everyday conversation. It is an archaic term used mainly in historical contexts, literature, or to create a period atmosphere.
A conical tube or horn used to amplify and direct a person's voice over a distance.
Speaking trumpet is usually historical, technical, literary in register.
Speaking trumpet: in British English it is pronounced /ˌspiːkɪŋ ˈtrʌmpɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌspikɪŋ ˈtrʌmpɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He doesn't need a speaking trumpet (said of someone with a very loud voice).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a pirate CAPTAIN speaking, but his words come out through a TRUMPET to reach the crew.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SPEAKING TRUMPET IS A VOICE AMPLIFIER / A SPEAKING TRUMPET IS A CONDUIT FOR COMMANDS.
Practice
Quiz
A 'speaking trumpet' is most closely related to which modern device?