mike up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Technical (broadcasting/media)
Quick answer
What does “mike up” mean?
To fit or equip someone or something with a microphone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To fit or equip someone or something with a microphone.
To prepare audio equipment for broadcasting or recording; to wire for sound.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term. 'Mike up' is the standard form in both, though 'mic up' (from 'mic' as a verb) is increasingly common, especially in American English.
Connotations
Professional broadcasting/event context. Slightly more informal than 'fit with a microphone'.
Frequency
Moderately common in relevant industries (TV, radio, theatre, events). More frequent in American English due to larger media industry.
Grammar
How to Use “mike up” in a Sentence
[Subject] mikes up [Object].[Object] get miked up (passive).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mike up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The sound crew will mike up the panellists before the debate.
- The entire theatre was miked up for the musical.
American English
- We need to mike up the guest speaker at the podium.
- She was miked up just moments before going live.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in media/event companies ('We need to mike up the CEO for the keynote').
Academic
Very rare.
Everyday
Uncommon unless discussing media production.
Technical
Common in broadcasting, audio engineering, theatre, and live event production.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mike up”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mike up”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mike up”
- Using 'mike up' intransitively (e.g., 'He miked up' without an object is incorrect). Confusing with 'make up'. Using 'mike' as the past tense (standard past is 'miked').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'mic up' (from 'mic' as a verb) is increasingly common and widely understood, especially in American English and technical contexts. 'Mike up' is the traditional form.
It can be used for both. You can mike up a person, a stage, a room, or a musical instrument.
The past tense is 'miked up' (e.g., 'They miked up the actor').
It is informal and technical. In formal writing, 'fit with a microphone' or 'equip with a microphone' might be preferred.
To fit or equip someone or something with a microphone.
Mike up: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪk ˈʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪk ˈʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All miked up and ready to go.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Mike' (short for Michael) standing UP to speak—he needs a 'mike' (microphone) clipped UP on his shirt.
Conceptual Metaphor
PREPARATION IS ARMING (mike up as in 'gear up').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely hear 'mike up'?