microphone
A device you speak or play music into so the sound can be made louder, recorded, or sent to another place.
An electronic device that picks up sound, usually a person’s voice or music, and converts it into an electrical signal for recording, broadcasting, or amplification.
- Base: microphone
- Plural: microphones
give someone the microphone
1Hand the mic to a person
To put the microphone in someone’s hand or in front of them so they can talk.
- 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
1Microphone that is on live
A microphone that is on and sending or recording sound, often when people think it is off.
- 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
1Publicly available performance microphone
A microphone that anyone can use to speak, sing, or perform, usually at a live event.
- 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
1Hand the microphone to another person
To give the microphone to another person so that person can speak.
- 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
1Begin using the microphone
To start speaking or performing using a microphone.
- The mayor took the microphone and began her speech.
- After the band finished, a young poet took the microphone.