unmute

American  

[uhn-myoot] / ənˈmyut /

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.

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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.

Etymology

Origin of unmute

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

Example Sentences

"Now, who wants to give it a go, you can unmute."

From BBC • Sep. 8, 2023

But if you unmute your computer while watching Pool's video, however, it becomes obvious that the actual appeal of said products remains wanting.

From Salon • Sep. 23, 2022

There also have been bumps as people learn to unmute and screen share.

From Seattle Times • May 22, 2022

He wrote on a presentation slide that he shared silently with the group: “Stop reading from your notes. Anyone can do that. Can you please unmute us.”

From Washington Post • May 18, 2022

Lexie snorted, and Trip hit unmute on the remote, and Jerry Springer roared to life again.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng