Definition

1. Noun:
   • A device that converts sound waves into electrical signals: A microphone is an instrument that picks up sound and changes it into an electrical form so it can be amplified, recorded, or transmitted.

Usage

• A microphone is used to capture audio. It is a key tool for communication, recording, and performance.
• It is typically used with verbs like , , , , or .
• Common contexts include public speaking, music recording, broadcasting, telephones, and live performances.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The singer stepped up to the microphone and began her song.
  • Please speak directly into the microphone so the audience can hear you.
  • The journalist used a small, handheld microphone for the interview.

Advanced Usage

• "To be on/at the microphone": To be the person currently speaking or performing using the microphone.
  • The host is at the microphone, welcoming the guests.
• "To grab the microphone": To take control of the microphone, often suddenly or assertively.
  • During the debate, he grabbed the microphone to make his point.

Variants and Related Words

• Mic (n): A common, informal short form of "microphone".
  • She tapped the mic to check if it was on.
• Microphonic (adj): Relating to or characteristic of a microphone.
  • The microphonic feedback was causing a high-pitched squeal.

Synonyms

• Mike (n, informal): A direct synonym for microphone.
• Transducer (n, technical): A general term for a device that converts energy from one form to another; a microphone is a specific type of acoustic transducer.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Microphone" is a noun and does not typically form phrasal verbs. Actions are performed *with or on a microphone.)*

Related Idioms

• "A live microphone": A microphone that is currently active and transmitting sound, implying that one must be careful what one says.
  • Be careful what you say; that's a live microphone.
• "To drop the microphone" (or "mic drop"): To perform a dramatic, confident conclusion to a speech or performance, often by literally dropping the microphone. It symbolizes a definitive, unbeatable point.
  • After his powerful final argument, the lawyer figuratively dropped the microphone.

Noun

1. device for converting sound waves into electrical energy