speaking-trumpet

A sailor uses a speaking-trumpet to call to another ship.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A portable voice-amplifying device: "speaking-trumpet" refers to a cone-shaped instrument, historically used to project the voice over a distance, especially outdoors or in noisy environments. It functions as an acoustic megaphone.

Usage Examples

• (A cone-shaped device to amplify the voice across a distance.)
• (A historical tool for projecting speech.)

Advanced Usage

• "to speak through a speaking-trumpet": to use the device to communicate audibly over a long range.

  • The general spoke through a speaking-trumpet to address the troops from a hilltop. (He amplified his voice using the instrument.)

• "speaking-trumpet" as a metaphor: sometimes used figuratively to describe any medium that amplifies a message.

  • The newspaper acted as a speaking-trumpet for the protest movement. (It broadcast their demands widely.)

Variants and Related Words

• Megaphone (n): a modern, often electronic, device for amplifying the voice, similar in function to a speaking-trumpet.

  • The coach used a megaphone to direct the players on the field. (A voice-amplifying device.)

• Trumpet (n): a brass musical instrument; the "speaking-trumpet" derives its name from its trumpet-like shape.

  • She played a fanfare on the trumpet. (A musical instrument.)

Synonyms

• Megaphone: a hand-held voice amplifier.
• Loudhailer: another term for a megaphone, especially in nautical contexts.
• Bullhorn: a portable electronic megaphone.

Related Idioms

• "To blow one's own trumpet": to boast or praise oneself (unrelated to speaking-trumpet directly, but shares the word "trumpet").

  • He is always blowing his own trumpet about his achievements. (He boasts excessively.)

• "Trumpet something abroad": to announce something widely and loudly.

  • The news was trumpeted abroad by town criers. (Proclaimed loudly in public.)