What does spokesmen mean?
“Spokesmen” is the plural of “spokesman” and means men who communicate officially for a person, group, company, or cause. The term is often used in news reporting, public relations, politics, and institutional announcements, especially when several representatives are making statements or presenting a shared position. Although it remains standard and readily understood, it assumes that all the representatives being discussed are men. In contemporary usage, “spokespeople” is often preferred because it does not specify gender and can refer to individuals of any gender. “Spokesmen” may therefore be used when the historical or conventional masculine form is appropriate, but gender-neutral alternatives can provide more inclusive and flexible language.
nounThe plural form of spokesman: men who speak on behalf of a person, organization, or cause. The word can also refer collectively to the representatives of a group.
- Men who speak or communicate on behalf of another person, organization, or cause.
"The spokesmen addressed reporters after the announcement."
"The spokesmen defended the company’s decision to postpone the launch."
"Local spokesmen welcomed the agreement and promised to consult residents."
The standard plural of “spokesman”; it is conventionally masculine, while “spokespeople” is the gender-neutral alternative.
"Several spokesmen addressed the press conference."
The word “spokesman” is increasingly replaced by “spokesperson” as institutions aim to describe representatives without assuming a gender.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spokesmen come from?
“Spokesman” was formed in the 19th century from “spoke,” meaning to speak or utter, and “man.” Its plural, “spokesmen,” follows the regular English plural pattern for words ending in “-man” and is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable. The underlying words “speak” and “speech” belong to the same Germanic verbal family associated with communicating in words.
Related word forms
How spokesmen is actually used
“Spokesmen” is standard but gender-specific; “spokespeople” is increasingly preferred in formal and inclusive contexts.
Easily confused with spokesmen
Spokesmen is the traditionally masculine plural of spokesman, while spokespeople is a gender-neutral alternative.