body mike: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Professional/Technical
Quick answer
What does “body mike” mean?
A small microphone attached directly to a person's body or clothing, typically used for hands-free audio capture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small microphone attached directly to a person's body or clothing, typically used for hands-free audio capture.
Primarily used in broadcasting, theater, film, and public speaking to capture clear audio without visible handheld equipment. Can refer to both lavalier/lapel microphones and more discreet types.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK English slightly prefers the full term 'body microphone' or 'lapel microphone' in formal contexts. US English uses 'body mike' more freely in film/TV industry slang. The spelling 'mike' is common in both, though 'mic' is also widely used.
Connotations
In both varieties, it conveys a technical, media production context. It lacks strong informal or formal connotations, sitting in a neutral professional register.
Frequency
Moderately frequent in media and performance industries, but low frequency in general everyday English.
Grammar
How to Use “body mike” in a Sentence
The presenter [wore/clipped on/had] a body mike.They [attached/fitted] a body mike [to/on] the interviewee.The sound is [coming from/picked up by] the body mike.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “body mike” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The technician will body-mike the guest speaker before the lecture.
- I need to body-mike the actor for this scene.
American English
- They body-miked all the panelists for the debate.
- Can you body-mike the presenter? The handheld is too distracting.
adjective
British English
- We're having body-mike issues with the host.
- The body-mike signal is breaking up.
American English
- She uses a body-mike setup for her tutorials.
- Check the body-mike battery level.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in corporate presentations, video conferences, and public speaking events where hands-free operation is needed.
Academic
Mentioned in media studies, theater, and communication courses discussing sound technology.
Everyday
Rare in everyday conversation unless discussing media production, public speaking, or similar activities.
Technical
Standard term in audio engineering, broadcasting, film production, and live event management.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “body mike”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “body mike”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “body mike”
- Using 'bodymike' as one word (standard is two).
- Confusing it with a 'headset microphone'.
- Misspelling 'mike' as 'mice'.
- Using 'body mike' to refer to a microphone inside a musical instrument's body.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is professional/technical slang. In formal documents, 'lapel microphone', 'lavalier microphone', or 'personal microphone' are preferred.
A body mike is typically clipped to clothing (lapel, tie, shirt). A headset microphone is attached to a headband or ear piece, positioning the mic near the mouth.
Both are widely accepted. 'Mike' follows traditional English abbreviation patterns (like 'bike' for bicycle), while 'mic' is a newer, phonetically influenced spelling common in technical specs. 'Body mike' typically uses the 'mike' spelling.
While possible, it's not ideal for main vocal capture in music due to placement (chest/clothing) which can muffle sound and pick up rustling. It's best for spoken word, presentations, or as a backup microphone.
A small microphone attached directly to a person's body or clothing, typically used for hands-free audio capture.
Body mike: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒdi ˌmaɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːdi ˌmaɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be wired (up) (informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MIKE (microphone) on your BODY. It's clipped on, not held.
Conceptual Metaphor
BODY IS A PLATFORM (for technology).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is a 'body mike' LEAST likely to be used?