Bullhorn vs. loudspeaker: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Bullhorn typically refers to a handheld, portable device (also known as a megaphone) shaped like a cone, used to project the user’s voice. Loudspeaker is a general term for any device that converts electrical signals into sound, including installed speakers used in public address systems, music systems, or electronic devices. Not all loudspeakers are bullhorns, and not all are handheld or portable.
What they have in common
Both bullhorn and loudspeaker refer to devices that amplify sound and are used to make speech or audio louder so that it can be heard over a distance or in a noisy environment.
Examples
bullhorn
- The coach yelled instructions through a bullhorn during practice.
- She used a bullhorn to address the crowd at the protest.
- Security personnel carried bullhorns to direct people during the evacuation.
loudspeaker
- Music played from the loudspeakers at the stadium.
- An announcement was made over the loudspeaker system.
- The teacher used a loudspeaker to talk to students in the large hall.
Which one is more common?
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