intercom

noun

in·​ter·​com ˈin-tər-ˌkäm How to pronounce intercom (audio)
: a two-way communication system with a microphone and loudspeaker at each station for localized use

Examples of intercom in a Sentence

I heard my name called on the intercom. His secretary's voice came over the intercom, telling him that he had a visitor.
Recent Examples on the Web He is often heard on the intercom in the morning getting students and staff hyped up for evening events. Joe Mutascio, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Mar. 2024 Other features include an in-home fitness center, home theater, wine cellar, multiple fireplaces and an intercom system. Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 An employee that answered the intercom at the studio’s space at Hamilton Landing declined to comment on the company’s plans. Richard Halstead, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2024 The independent investigation said the sheriff’s response to the medical emergency violated policy and noted that an intercom system was not functional. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2024 Watchdog Oversight board chief stretches boundaries, and authority, in monitoring sheriff’s and probation departments Oct. 29, 2023 One of the recommendations issued by the review panel calls for the Sheriff’s Department to mandate the supervision of intercoms and doors during medical emergencies. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2024 The school added new emergency locks and intercoms that connect classrooms directly to emergency services. The Arizona Republic, 9 Jan. 2024 As well as being a smart way to control your energy use, the thermostat can also act as a video intercom for Ecobee’s new doorbell camera. Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 24 Nov. 2023 The sergeant arrived at the Spears home, Worthy said, and was contacted over an entrance intercom by a member of Spears’ security team. Josh Campbell, CNN, 28 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intercom.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

short for intercommunication system

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intercom was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near intercom

Cite this Entry

“Intercom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intercom. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

intercom

noun
in·​ter·​com ˈint-ər-ˌkäm How to pronounce intercom (audio)
: a two-way communication system with microphone and loudspeaker at each end

More from Merriam-Webster on intercom

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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