Definition

A portable device that combines a microphone and a loudspeaker, used to make a person's voice louder, especially in outdoor settings.

Example

The teacher used a bullhorn to address the large crowd at the rally.

Conversation

Did you see that guy using a bullhorn at the rally yesterday?

Yeah, he really got everyone's attention with it!

I wonder if it’s easy to use a bullhorn like that.

It looks simple, but I bet it takes some practice to get it right.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bullhorn → The word is formed from "bull" (from Old English "bula", meaning a male bovine) and "horn" (from Old English "horn", meaning a hard, pointed projection). A bullhorn is a loudspeaker that amplifies sound, metaphorically likening its loudness to the bellowing of a bull through its horn.

Memory Tip

Imagine a bull making a loud sound through its horn — that's how a bullhorn amplifies sound.

Visually Confused Words