Meaning & use
speakers
Last updated
“speakers” is a form of “speaker”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Devices that turn electrical signals into sound, usually for music or speech.
Grammar: Countable noun, plural of speaker; use a plural verb: The speakers are loud.
Patterns
- a pair of speakers
- computer speakers
- turn the speakers up/down
He plugged the speakers into his laptop and played the song.
The speakers in the living room are not working, so we cannot hear the TV.
She bought new speakers for her stereo system.
nounplural
People who are speaking, especially at a meeting or event.
Grammar: Plural of speaker; often used with a plural verb: The speakers were introduced.
Patterns
- the speakers at the conference
- introduce the speakers
The speakers at the conference came from many different countries.
After the talks, the speakers answered questions from the audience.
nounplural
People who speak a particular language, especially as a native language.
Grammar: Often followed by 'of' + language: speakers of English.
Patterns
- speakers of a language
- native speakers
There are more than a billion speakers of English worldwide.
The course is designed for native speakers of Spanish.
Word forms
| singular | speaker |
|---|
Common combinations
- computer speakers
- I need to buy new computer speakers because mine broke.
- a pair of speakers
- He set up a pair of speakers on either side of the TV.
- turn up the speakers
- Can you turn up the speakers? I can barely hear the music.
- native speakers
- The class is taught by native speakers of French.
- speakers of English
- Speakers of English often find German grammar challenging.
Synonyms and how they differ
- loudspeakers
- A more formal term for the audio devices; often used in technical contexts.
- talkers
- Informal and less common for people who speak; usually refers to people who talk a lot.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: speakers or speekers? speakers or spokespersons?
speakers vs speekers
Misspelling of speakers; the correct spelling is speakers with 'ea'.
speakers vs spokespersons
Spokespersons are official representatives who speak for a group, not just any speakers.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose one answer.
The subject 'speakers' is plural, so it takes the plural verb 'are'. Option A uses 'is' with a plural subject, option C uses 'are' with a singular subject, and option D uses 'am' which is only for I.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “speakers”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.