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mike: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

B1-B2
UK/maɪk/US/maɪk/

informal, technical (media/audio contexts)

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Quick answer

What does “mike” mean?

informal short form for 'microphone', a device for converting sound into electrical signals.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

informal short form for 'microphone', a device for converting sound into electrical signals

to fit or use a microphone on someone or something; to speak into a microphone

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Usage is virtually identical. Both use 'mike' as the standard informal spelling for the shortened form. 'Mic' is also common in both, especially in technical writing.

Connotations

Neutral technical/informal term. No significant difference in connotation.

Frequency

Slightly more common in spoken than written English. 'Microphone' is preferred in formal writing.

Grammar

How to Use “mike” in a Sentence

to mike [someone/something] upto be miked upto mike a venue

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
check the mikehold the mikepass the mikewireless mikestand mike
medium
speak into the mikemike standmike checkclip-on mike
weak
powerful mikeexpensive mikeportable mike

Examples

Examples of “mike” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • The sound engineer will mike up the panel before the debate.
  • Are you properly miked for the interview?

American English

  • We need to mike the stage for the live stream.
  • The presenter was miked and ready to go.

adjective

British English

  • He handled the mike cable carefully.
  • We have a mike problem on stage left.

American English

  • She adjusted the mike level before speaking.
  • Check the mike input on the mixer.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

In business presentations or video conferences: 'Could you please speak closer to the mike?'

Academic

Rare in academic writing except in media studies or technical reports on audio equipment.

Everyday

Informal contexts: 'The singer grabbed the mike and started singing.'

Technical

Audio engineering, broadcasting: 'We need to mike the drum kit with three different mikes.'

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “mike”

Strong

mic

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “mike”

silencermute

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “mike”

  • Using 'mike' in very formal writing instead of 'microphone'.
  • Misspelling as 'mic' and pronouncing it /mɪk/ instead of /maɪk/.
  • Incorrect verb pattern: 'He mikes' (correct) vs. 'He mike' (incorrect).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Both are used. 'Mike' follows the traditional English pattern of '-ike' (like 'bike' from 'bicycle'). 'Mic' is a newer, streamlined spelling common in user manuals and tech specs. Pronunciation is the same: /maɪk/.

Yes, especially in technical contexts. It means to fit with or use a microphone (e.g., 'to mike up a drum kit', 'the speaker was miked').

It's considered informal. In formal writing, such as academic papers or official reports, the full word 'microphone' is preferred.

It's an idiom (also 'drop the mic') meaning to do something so impressively or definitively that no further comment or action is needed, often implying a bold exit after a strong performance or statement.

informal short form for 'microphone', a device for converting sound into electrical signals.

Mike: in British English it is pronounced /maɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /maɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “drop the mike/mic”
  • “pass the mike”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a friend named 'Mike' holding a microphone – Mike with a mike.

Conceptual Metaphor

A mike is a VOICE AMPLIFIER (it makes the weak strong), a POWER TOOL for communication.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
Before the concert, the technician had to the lead singer and the guitarist.
Multiple Choice

In which context would 'mike' most likely be used?

mike: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore