What does spokespeople mean?
“Spokespeople” is the plural of “spokesperson” and means people who speak for an organization, campaign, institution, or other body. The term is especially common in journalism, politics, business, and public relations, where designated representatives communicate an official position to the public or media. It can describe one person’s role in a particular context, but the usual plural emphasizes a group of authorized voices. The word is widely used as a gender-neutral alternative to “spokesmen” or “spokeswomen,” although the older forms remain familiar in some writing. Because “spokespeople” combines the idea of speaking with the familiar word “people,” it clearly conveys both representation and public communication.
noun (plural)The plural form of spokesperson; people who speak on behalf of an organization, cause, or group.
- People who speak or communicate on behalf of an organization, institution, political movement, or other group.
- In journalism and public relations, the people designated to answer questions or communicate an official position to the media.
"The company’s spokespeople addressed questions from reporters after the announcement."
"Local spokespeople confirmed that relief efforts would continue throughout the weekend."
"Several spokespeople for the campaign defended the proposed changes at a televised debate."
The standard plural of “spokesperson”; it can refer to one or more people speaking for an organization or group.
"The department’s spokespeople issued a joint statement."
The word “spokespeople” puts people first: its everyday sense can refer to any authorized voices, not just one designated spokesman.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spokespeople come from?
The word is the plural of “spokesperson,” a compound formed from “spokes,” an older spelling associated with “spokesman,” and “person.” The underlying idea is of a person who speaks for another person or group. The plural “spokespeople” became especially common as a gender-neutral replacement for “spokesmen” in the later 20th century.
Related word forms
How spokespeople is actually used
“Spokespeople” is the usual gender-neutral plural. “Spokesmen” is still used in some contexts but can sound less inclusive when a mixed-gender group is meant.
Easily confused with spokespeople
A spokesman is traditionally a man who speaks for an organization, while spokespeople is the gender-neutral plural for any group of representatives.
A spokesperson is specifically someone authorized to communicate an organization’s position, whereas a speaker may simply be giving a talk or presentation.