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

Hegseth spent most of his time at the microphone praising Trump and God.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

González put down the microphone and somebody turned down the lights.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

"What happened that day in Belfast was so important to me because every single time afterwards when I won a competition I went to the microphone," he recalled.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Then public comment began, and one of the most celebrated chefs in the world stepped to the microphone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

I open my microphone and set it to record.

From "A Rover's Story" by Jasmine Warga