mike

[ mahyk ]

/ maɪk /

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noun

Also mic. Informal. microphone.

verb (used with object), miked, mik·ing.

Informal. to supply or amplify with one or more microphones; attach a microphone to: to mike a singer.

verb (used without object), miked, mik·ing.

Informal. to use or position a microphone: to mike properly when recording a singer.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Idioms about mike

drop the mike, Informal. mic (def. 2).

Origin of mike

First recorded in 1925–30; by shortening and respelling

Words nearby mike

mihi, MIHL, mihrab, mikado, Mikasuki, mike, mike fright, Mike-Mike, mike up, Mikhailovitch, Mi'kmaq

Other definitions for mike (2 of 5)

mike²

[ mahyk ]

/ maɪk /

noun

a forklike support for a light cannon on a sailing ship.

Origin of mike

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; perhaps from Middle Dutch micke “forked support”; further origin uncertain

Other definitions for mike (3 of 5)

mike³

[ mahyk ]

/ maɪk /

British Slang.

noun

loafing; idling.

verb (used without object), miked, mik·ing.

to loaf.

Origin of mike

First recorded in 1815–25; origin uncertain

Other definitions for mike (4 of 5)

mike⁴

[ mahyk ]

/ maɪk /

noun

micrometer¹ (def. 2).

verb (used with object), miked, mik·ing.

to measure with a micrometer.

Origin of mike

⁴

First recorded in 1920–25; by shortening and respelling of micrometer¹

Other definitions for mike (5 of 5)

Mike

[ mahyk ]

/ maɪk /

noun

a male given name, form of Michael.

(lowercase) a word used in communications to represent the letter M.

How to use mike in a sentence

Meanwhile, if you missed Mike Gips’s interview with Bob, “Staake Talks Smaake,” check out Episode 9 of “You’re Invited,” Mike’s podcast about The Style Invitational.
Style Conversational Week 1425: Sketchy situations with Bob Staake|Pat Myers|February 25, 2021|Washington Post
While Edith was the Hauser Street peacemaker, she usually could not defuse the cringingly contentious arguments between Mike and Archie.
How a Foulmouthed Bigot Named Archie Bunker Charmed—and Changed—America|Daniel S. Levy|February 9, 2021|Time
Mike isn’t the communications person, Mike isn’t the leader.
Lincoln Project’s avowed ignorance of Weaver texts undercut by leaked communications|Chris Johnson|February 9, 2021|Washington Blade
This time Mike treats Invite Rookie Phenom Sarah Walsh, who’s been on both “Jeopardy!”
Style Conversational Week 1422: Udon want to miss these neologisms|Pat Myers|February 4, 2021|Washington Post

Mike and I worked extremely well together in 2018 and put up some impressive numbers as an offensive staff.
Maryland football hires Dan Enos as offensive coordinator|Emily Giambalvo|January 11, 2021|Washington Post
And now, similarly, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee: "Bend over and take it like a prisoner!"
Huckabee 2016: Bend Over and Take It Like a Prisoner!|Olivia Nuzzi|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
And similar shards of enthusiasm-killing kryptonite are lodged in John Kasich, Mike Pence and Ted Cruz.
Why This Liberal Hearts Huckabee|Sally Kohn|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Democrats would be mistaken to underestimate Mike Huckabee, perhaps the strongest Republican presidential contender.
Why This Liberal Hearts Huckabee|Sally Kohn|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The future Mr. Vergara—and star of ‘True Blood’ and ‘Magic Mike’ shares some life advice in an exclusive video.
Who Is Joe Manganiello? Sofia Vergara’s Fiancé on the Value of Hard Work|The Daily Beast Video|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
On the Democratic side, many expect former Rep. Mike McMahon to make another run at the seat.
The Felon Who Wouldn’t Leave Congress|Ben Jacobs, David Freedlander|December 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Pat Malone, you are fined five dollars for assault and battery on Mike Sweeney.
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;|Various
It's your funeral, Mike would say, laughing until tears came into his eyes.
The Man from Time|Frank Belknap Long
Mike could push his knuckles hard into the faces of people who owed him money, and he'd never even be arrested.
The Man from Time|Frank Belknap Long
Joe was shaking when he slipped into the chair left vacant by Mike and reached out for both her hands.
The Man from Time|Frank Belknap Long
Now Mike was as remarkable for his cheerful and amiable disposition, as Jacob was for his ill nature.
Mike Marble|Uncle Frank

British Dictionary definitions for mike (1 of 2)

mike

/ (maɪk) /

noun

informal short for microphone See also mike up

British Dictionary definitions for mike (2 of 2)

Mike

/ (maɪk) /

noun

communications a code word for the letter m

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012