# equalizer

/ˈikwəˌɫaɪzɝ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/equalizer
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a device or tool that makes different things the same. In music, it helps balance the volume of different sounds. In sports, it is a rule that makes the game fair for everyone.

For teachers: a device or mathematical tool used to balance or adjust levels. In a sporting context, it refers to a rule or action that neutralizes an advantage held by one side.

## Examples

- The DJ used the equalizer to fix the bass sound.
- The referee called a foul to act as an equalizer in the final minutes of the match.
- By adjusting the equalizer on the mixing board, the engineer ensured that the high-frequency vocals were not drowned out by the low-end percussion.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.