Dictionary

blowhorn en · NOUN

Etymology

From blow + horn.

Meanings

1. A device, often funnel-shaped and sometimes hand-held, which is used to emit loud sounds or amplified human speech.
   • He remembers the sad, droning sound of a blowhorn from a dredge barge, a plea for help as it was swept out to sea. 1998 April 19, “Back When Beach Was Best: Resident, 81, shares memories with commission”, in Miami Herald:
   • "Pick up your toys" takes a parental blowhorn to permeate the brain of a young child. 1987 February 11, Jeff Kunerth, “Deaf ear may be best deterrent”, in Orlando Sentinal, page E1:
   • [F]rom atop enormous snow banks they sang civil rights-era songs and waited for the speakers from inside to come outside to deliver their speeches via blowhorn. 2003 January 15, Heidi Shott, “Episcopalians: Mainers stand firm against racism in gatherings and vigils across the state”, in Worldwide Faith News, USA, retrieved 02 Aug 2011:
   • I’m talking, of course, about the vuvuzela. Essentially, a metre-long blowhorn, which you may struggle to get past a steward at an English football ground. 2010 June 1, David Pickthall, “Are you ready to make some noise?”, in North-West Evening Mail, UK, retrieved 02 Aug 2011:
   • "We could stand outside with a blowhorn and say you are all sinners but the reality is that doesn't work," Mr Davies said. 2009 Feb. 24, Matthew Johnston, "Bible bid to stop porn addiction at Sexpo," Herald Sun (Australia) (retrieved 25 Feb. 2009)

Forms

Synonyms

loudhailer · bullhorn · megaphone