open mic

American  

[oh-puhn mahyk] / ˈoʊ pən ˈmaɪk /

Or open mike

noun

1. a live show in a club, bar, etc., in which anyone may perform but each performer is given a time limit (often used attributively).

   an open mic night for stand-up comedians.

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Etymology

Origin of open mic

First recorded in 1975–80; open ( def. ) (in sense “in operation, live”) + mic ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

open mic

She enrolled at New York's Purchase Conservatory of Music to study songwriting, and started playing open mic nights around the city.

From BBC ● Apr. 28, 2026

It feels like an open mic night in the Upside Down — and yes, everyone is wearing all black.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 27, 2026

That flow ultimately earned him the name Slick Rick, bestowed by legendary hip-hop producer Doug E Fresh, who spotted him at an open mic night and invited him to join his Get Fresh Crew.

From BBC ● Mar. 25, 2026

“Coming from an open mic night at a coffee house, never in my wildest dreams did I say, ‘Someday, a football stadium’ … we’re literally living our dreams right now.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 5, 2026

There’s a short line, about five teenagers who walk up to her and sign up for the open mic.

From "Pride" by Ibi Zoboi