microphone

American  

[mahy-kruh-fohn] / ˈmaɪ krəˌfoʊn /

noun

1. an instrument capable of transforming sound waves into changes in electric currents or voltage, used in recording or transmitting sound.

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microphone British  

/ ˈmaɪkrəˌfəʊn /

noun

1. Informal name: mike.  a device used in sound-reproduction systems for converting sound into electrical energy, usually by means of a ribbon or diaphragm set into motion by the sound waves. The vibrations are converted into the equivalent audio-frequency electric currents See also carbon microphone Compare loudspeaker

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Etymology

Origin of microphone

1875–80; micro-, in sense “enlarging” (extracted from microscope ) + -phone

Explanation

A microphone is an electric device that amplifies the sound of a voice or instrument. If you're going to stand up in front of a large crowd and want to be heard, you better use a microphone. Microphones require electricity and amplifiers to work — what they do is take a sound and convert it into an electrical signal. That signal can then be amplified and sent to a speaker or recorded. Performers can sing softly into a microphone and still be heard clearly by an audience member at the very back of a huge concert hall. The popularity of radio and film inspired this meaning of microphone — originally, the word meant "ear trumpet for the hard-of-hearing."

Example Sentences

Even as a youth of the computer age, I learned so much and found endless value in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood reruns, classical-music broadcasts, and specialized podcasts like Microphone Check.

From Slate • Jul. 17, 2025

Go back to the main privacy page and go through each information category such as Calendars, Photos and Microphone.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 29, 2021

Microphone in hand, he made his appreciation clear through the disappointment on Sunday.

From New York Times • Sep. 12, 2021

Microphone performance was sufficient for voice calls, and those I spoke with could make me out clearly.

From The Verge • Aug. 23, 2021

Microphone cables crisscrossed the living room, posing an obstacle course for a pregnant Molly as she waited impatiently for Ernest to traipse home from campus.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik