# Mic

/ˈmɪk/ (US) · /mˈaɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mic
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. microphone

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

a short way to write or say 'microphone' — the device you use to record your voice.

For teachers: a clipped form of 'microphone', denoting a transducer that converts sound into an electrical signal.

- The singer stepped up to the mic and started the first song.
- Before the podcast began, the engineer spent several minutes adjusting the mic levels to ensure the guest's voice was captured clearly.

### 2. to provide with a microphone

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal · Technical

to give someone a microphone or attach one to their clothes.

For teachers: to equip a person or an object with a microphone, often for broadcasting or recording purposes.

- The crew had to mic the actors before the interview could start.
- The sound technician decided to mic the drum kit individually to achieve a more balanced mix during the live performance.

## Examples

- Please speak closer to the mic so we can hear you.
- The lead singer grabbed the mic and started the show with a high-energy song.
- Before the podcast began, the engineer adjusted the gain on every mic to ensure the audio levels remained consistent throughout the interview.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.