noun
Uncommon
mic
Mic (noun) means a microphone, especially in casual or performance contexts. Example: “She stepped up to the mic and started her set.”
noun
1
A microphone, especially in casual or performance contexts.
"She stepped up to the mic and started her set."
"Can you check if the mic is working before we go live?"
"He tapped the mic twice and asked if everyone could hear him."
How to use mic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe everyday short word for microphone, used in music, broadcasting, and speech.
Common mistake
Both "mic" and "mike" are used for the shortened spelling; "mic" is now the more common written form, especially in "mic drop" and "open mic."
Common pairings
drop the mic
open mic
check the mic
hot mic
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Word forms
- Plural
- mics
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She stepped up to the _____ and started her set.
Etymology
A short form of "microphone," first used casually among musicians and broadcasters, later standardised as its own spelling separate from "mike."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “mic” mean?
The word “mic” means a microphone, especially in casual or performance contexts. In plain terms, the everyday short word for microphone, used in music, broadcasting, and speech.
How do you use “mic” in a sentence?
Here is “mic” used in a sentence: “She stepped up to the mic and started her set.”
What part of speech is “mic”?
“Mic” is a noun.
Is “mic” a common word?
“Mic” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between mic and microphone?
Mic is simply a shortened, casual form of microphone, referring to the same device that converts sound into an electrical signal. Mic is typically used in informal speech, performance settings, or technical shorthand, while microphone is the full, more formal term.
Is mic spelled mic or mike?
Both spellings are used, but mic is now the more common and widely accepted informal spelling, especially in music, broadcasting, and technology contexts. Mike is an older variant spelling of the same shortened word.
When is it appropriate to use mic instead of microphone?
Mic is appropriate in casual conversation, performance or broadcast settings, and informal writing, such as "check the mic" before a show. In formal or technical documentation, the full word microphone is generally preferred.
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