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

Example Sentences

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

The winners in the live-action short film category had the microphone turned back on after initially being played off the stage.

From Salon • Mar. 16, 2026

Seattle linebacker Ernest Jones IV stepped up to the microphone and with unvarnished vigor defended his quarterback.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

TELLURIDE, Colo.—On a snowy March evening last year, a local official stepped to the microphone to declare that this winter ski paradise was in crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

He was wearing a microphone looped over his ear.

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein