What does spokesman mean?
A spokesman is a person who communicates officially on behalf of someone else, such as a government, company, political party, or labor organization. The word commonly appears in reporting about official responses, public statements, negotiations, and announcements. Its basic meaning is straightforward, but its traditional reference to a male representative has led many organizations and publications to prefer “spokesperson,” a gender-neutral alternative. “Spokesman” remains fully understandable and is still widely used, especially in formal and journalistic contexts. The plural is traditionally “spokesmen,” although “spokespersons” is also accepted in contemporary usage, particularly where clarity about gender is important.
nounA person who speaks on behalf of another person, organization, or group, especially in an official or public capacity. The term traditionally denotes a male representative, while “spokesperson” is now commonly preferred as a gender-neutral alternative.
- A person who speaks for or represents another person, organization, or group.
"The government spokesman announced that the inquiry would continue throughout the weekend."
"The prime minister's spokesman confirmed that a decision would be announced shortly."
"At the conference, the union spokesman called for greater protection of temporary workers."
The traditional plural is “spokesmen”; “spokespersons” is also accepted and is increasingly used in gender-neutral contexts.
"Several spokesmen addressed questions from reporters outside the courthouse."
What was once a specifically male title is increasingly replaced by the more inclusive “spokesperson.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of spokesman
“Spokesman” is formed from “speak” and the element “-man,” in the older sense of a person who speaks or acts on behalf of another. It developed within English during the early modern period, when “spokesman” commonly referred to an official representative or spokesperson. The historically gendered form led to the later creation and increased use of “spokesperson,” combining “spokes” with the gender-neutral “person.”
Related word forms
How spokesman is actually used
The word is still common in news reporting and official announcements, especially in British and American usage, but “spokesperson” is generally preferred when the gender of the representative is unknown or irrelevant. “Spokesman” may also be used for a male representative without implying that only men hold such roles.
Easily confused with spokesman
A spokesperson is a gender-neutral term for someone who communicates on behalf of an organization or group, whereas spokesman traditionally refers specifically to a man.