mike
5 synonyms for mike, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An informal short form of "microphone".
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use mike
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
open mike
mike check
mike up
Etymology
A shortening of "mic", itself short for "microphone"; in radio spelling alphabets, "Mike" stands for the letter M.
Full origin of mike →Frequently asked questions
What does “mike” mean?
The word “mike” means an informal short form of "microphone". In plain terms, the everyday word for a microphone, or a common nickname for Michael.
How do you pronounce “mike”?
“Mike” is pronounced MYK (/ˈmaɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “mike” in a sentence?
Here is “mike” used in a sentence: “She tapped the mike to check it was working.”
What part of speech is “mike”?
Depending on how it is used, “mike” can be a noun, a verb and a name.
Is “mike” a common word?
“Mike” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “mike” have?
“Mike” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an informal short form of "microphone".
What is the difference between mike and microphone?
There is no difference in meaning. Mike is simply the informal short form of microphone, used in casual speech and writing. You might say pass me the mike rather than pass me the microphone. The spelling mic is also common, though mike reflects how the word is pronounced.
Is it spelled mike or mic?
Both are accepted short forms of microphone. Mic is more common in technical and industry contexts and matches the abbreviation on equipment. Mike is the older spelling that mirrors the pronunciation, so it never causes confusion about how to say it. Choice largely comes down to style and preference.
Is mike formal or informal?
Mike is informal. In professional, technical, or written contexts, microphone is preferred. Mike suits everyday conversation, broadcasting slang, and casual notes. It carries no negative tone; it is simply a relaxed, familiar way of referring to the same piece of audio equipment.
