# microphone

/ˈmaɪkɹəˌfoʊn/ (US) · /mˈaɪkɹəfˌəʊn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/microphone
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. sound recording device

noun · CEFR A2

a device you speak into to make your voice louder or to record sound.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. to equip with microphones

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to put a microphone on a person or near an instrument.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Please speak into the microphone so everyone can hear you.
- The singer adjusted the microphone stand before starting the first song of the set.
- Modern condenser microphones are highly sensitive to subtle acoustic nuances, making them the preferred choice for professional studio environments where vocal clarity is paramount.

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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.