spokesperson
UK: ˈspəʊkspɜːs(ə)n | US: ˈspoʊkspɜːrs(ə)n
n. a person who speaks on behalf of a group or organization
n. a representative or intermediary who communicates official statements
The word "spokesperson" combines "spoke" (past tense of "speak," from Old English spacan) and "person" (from Latin persona, meaning "human individual"). Historically, "spoke" evolved from Old English to Middle English as the past tense of "speak," later repurposed in compounds like "spokesman" (16th century). The gender-neutral "spokesperson" emerged in the 20th century, reflecting societal shifts toward inclusive language. The morpheme "-s-" acts as a connective or plural marker, linking the verb-derived "spoke" to "person."
The company appointed a new spokesperson to address media inquiries.
As the team’s spokesperson, she delivered the official statement.
The spokesperson clarified the organization’s stance on the issue.
Protesters demanded a spokesperson to represent their concerns.
The government spokesperson denied the allegations during the press conference.