Definition

Noun: A portable, hand-held electronic device that combines a microphone, an amplifier, and a loudspeaker, used to amplify a person's voice so it can be heard over a long distance or by a large crowd.

Usage

A bullhorn is used to address groups of people in outdoor settings or noisy environments where an unamplified voice would not carry. It is commonly used by protest organizers, event coordinators, lifeguards, coaches, and law enforcement.

Examples

• The protest leader used a bullhorn to address the crowd gathered in the square.
• The lifeguard picked up the bullhorn to warn swimmers about the strong current.
• Without a bullhorn, the coach's instructions were lost in the noise of the stadium.

Advanced Usage

• "To take the bullhorn": This phrase can be used metaphorically to mean taking control of a situation or assuming a leadership role in addressing a group.
  • After the initial confusion, she took the bullhorn and began directing the volunteers.

Variants and Related Words

• Megaphone (noun): A cone-shaped acoustic device used to amplify the voice. While often used interchangeably with "bullhorn," a traditional megaphone is non-electronic and works by simply directing sound.
• Loudhailer (noun): A term used primarily in British English that is synonymous with "bullhorn."

Synonyms

• Loudhailer
• Megaphone (in its modern, electronic sense)
• Public address system (PA system) for a more general, often stationary, system.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "A voice like a bullhorn": A humorous or critical description of someone who speaks very loudly without needing amplification.
  • My grandfather doesn't need a microphone; he has a voice like a bullhorn.

Noun

1. a portable loudspeaker with built-in microphone and amplifier