unmute

[ uhn-myoot ]

verb (used with object)

1. to remove a mute from (a musical instrument):

   His tone, in the rare moments when his trumpet was unmuted, was clean and clear.

2. to turn on (a microphone, a speaker, or audio), especially after it has been temporarily turned off or when muted sound is the default:

   During this part of the training the microphones will remain unmuted, so please keep background noise to a minimum.

verb (used without object)

1. to restore the sound, as from a microphone:

   When you ask questions, be sure to allow a couple of seconds for your remote audience members to unmute.

Word History and Origins

Origin of unmute¹

First recorded in 1810–15; un- ²( def ) + mute ( def )