'loudspeaker' originates from the combination of 'loud' and 'speaker', where 'loud' meant 'having a great volume' and 'speaker' referred to a device that produces sound.

'loudspeaker' was formed in the early 20th century as technology advanced to create devices that could amplify sound.

Initially, it referred to any device that could amplify sound, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.