English Reference

Word

intercom

Phoneticsin·ter·com

US/ˈɪntɝˌkɑm/

UK/ˌɪntəkˈɒm/

Definition

n. a system of small loudspeakers and microphones that lets people in different rooms talk to each other. You often use it in offices or large buildings to call for help or talk to the front desk.

n. a system of communication between two or more points, typically within a building, using a combination of loudspeakers and microphones. Often used in professional or residential settings to facilitate internal coordination.

Examples

“I used the intercom to call the front desk.”

“The hotel provides an intercom system in every room so guests can easily contact the receptionist.”

“Modern office layouts often integrate a digital intercom system with the main security network to allow remote access control and visitor verification.”

Examples

simple

“I used the intercom to call the front desk.”

contextual

“The hotel provides an intercom system in every room so guests can easily contact the receptionist.”

complex

“Modern office layouts often integrate a digital intercom system with the main security network to allow remote access control and visitor verification.”

Etymology

Clipping of intercommunicator.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

COMNounintercomNoun

This entry

Level
B1 · Intermediate
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/intercom

English Reference