microphone

Everyday

A device that picks up sound and turns it into an electrical signal so it can be made louder, recorded or sent. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons a microphone changes sound energy into electrical energy (a speaker does the opposite). In everyday life singers, teachers in big halls and phones use microphones. Phrases: speak into the microphone, the mic is on, open mic.

Examples

• Please speak into the microphone so everyone can hear. tree →
• The singer held the microphone close. tree →
• My laptop has a tiny built-in microphone. tree →
• The microphone squealed when it was too close to the speaker. tree →
• Is the mic on? tree →
• The head teacher tested the microphone before assembly. tree →

Note

Short forms: mic (most common now) or mike. Microphone ≠ speaker/loudspeaker. From micro- (small) + phone (sound).