microphone
gb/mˈaɪkɹoʊfˌoʊn/ us/mˈaɪkɹoʊfˌoʊn/
A2
English
~ 8300
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Device for turning sound into signal
A device you speak or play music into so the sound can be made louder, recorded, or sent to another place.
Usage pattern:
[someone] speaks into a/the microphone
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse a 'microphone' with a 'speaker'. A microphone takes in sound (you speak into it), while a speaker sends out sound (you listen to it). Another common mistake is using the wrong preposition: say 'speak into the microphone', not 'speak to the microphone'.
Synonyms
mic (Very common short form, especially in speech and informal writing; same basic meaning as 'microphone'.)
|
mike (Alternative spelling of 'mic'; somewhat less common and a bit informal.)
Antonyms
speaker (A speaker turns electrical signals into sound, while a microphone does the opposite, turning sound into electrical signals.)
Collocations
use a microphone
|speak into the microphone
|wireless microphone
|handheld microphone
|clip-on microphone
|turn the microphone on
Themes
technology
|music
|media
|communication
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- Please step up to the microphone and introduce yourself.
- The singer tapped the microphone to check if it was working.
- He adjusted the microphone stand before starting his presentation.
- They used a small clip-on microphone for the interview.
- The reporter held the microphone close to the witness’s face.
Learner examples
- She speaks into the microphone on stage.
- The teacher uses a microphone so everyone can hear.
- Please turn the microphone on before you start.
- I bought a new microphone for my computer.
- The man holds a microphone and sings.
Grammar
Dictionary form
microphone
IPA
GB/mˈaɪkɹoʊfˌoʊn/
US/mˈaɪkɹoʊfˌoʊn/
Syllables & stress
mi - cro - phone (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (mi)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: microphone
- Plural: microphones
Word family
Expressions
give someone the microphone
1/ɡˈɪv sˈʌmwˌʌn ðə mˈaɪkɹoʊfˌoʊn/
fixed phrase
Hand the mic to a person
To put the microphone in someone’s hand or in front of them so they can talk.
Examples
- Let’s give Maria the microphone so she can explain her idea.
- The reporter gave the microphone to a fan outside the stadium.
hot microphone
1/hˈɑt mˈaɪkɹoʊfˌoʊn/
fixed phrase
technical
Microphone that is on live
A microphone that is on and sending or recording sound, often when people think it is off.
Examples
- The politician was caught swearing on a hot microphone before the interview started.
- Always assume there is a hot microphone in the studio and watch what you say.
open microphone
1/ˈoʊpən mˈaɪkɹoʊfˌoʊn/
fixed phrase
technical
Publicly available performance microphone
A microphone that anyone can use to speak, sing, or perform, usually at a live event.
Examples
- The club is hosting an open microphone night for new comedians.
- At the rally there was an open microphone where people could share their stories.
pass the microphone
1/pˈæs ðə mˈaɪkɹoʊfˌoʊn/
fixed phrase
Hand the microphone to another person
To give the microphone to another person so that person can speak.
Examples
- Please pass the microphone to the next student in the front row.
- After each answer, the host passes the microphone to another member of the audience.
take the microphone
1/tˈeɪk ðə mˈaɪkɹoʊfˌoʊn/
fixed phrase
Begin using the microphone
To start speaking or performing using a microphone.
Examples
- The mayor took the microphone and began her speech.
- After the band finished, a young poet took the microphone.