mike
Mike (noun) means an informal short form of "microphone". Example: “She tapped the mike to check it was working.”
How to use mike
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe everyday word for a microphone, or a common nickname for Michael.
Both "mike" and "mic" are used as informal spellings for microphone; "mike" is more traditional, "mic" more common in print today.
Word forms
miked past tense, mikes plural, Mikes plural, Mikes plural, mikes singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She tapped the _____ to check it was working.
Etymology
A shortening of "mic", itself short for "microphone"; in radio spelling alphabets, "Mike" stands for the letter M.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for mike
See all rhymes for 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.
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