Word
Definitions
01sound recording device
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. a device you speak into to make your voice louder or to record sound.
n. an instrument used to convert sound waves into electrical energy for the purpose of recording or broadcasting.
“The singer stepped up to the microphone and began the first song.”
“The podcast host adjusted the microphone on its boom arm to ensure the audio levels remained consistent throughout the interview.”
Usage
Often shortened to 'mic' or 'mike' in casual speech and technical contexts.
Antonyms
02to equip with microphones
C1 · Advanced Technical
v. to put a microphone on a person or near an instrument.
v. to arrange or attach microphones to a sound source or within a specific environment.
“The sound crew had to microphone the entire choir before the concert started.”
“The engineers decided to microphone the drum kit using a multi-track setup to capture the nuances of the room's natural acoustics.”
Usage
Commonly used as the phrasal verb 'mic up' in professional media production.
Synonyms
Etymology
From micro- + -phone.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/microphone
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0