microphone

"Microphone" is a straightforward word with essentially one core meaning, though it appears in a few interesting contexts. It refers to a device that captures sound, and you will encounter it in everyday life, music, broadcasting, and technology.

1nounsound-capturing device

A microphone is a piece of equipment that picks up sound — like your voice or music — and converts it into an electrical signal so it can be recorded, amplified, or transmitted. Think of it as a 'sound collector'. When you speak into one, your voice can be heard by a large crowd, recorded on a computer, or sent over a phone call.

everyday language, technology, music, broadcasting · Modern, widely used

The singer held the microphone close to her mouth so the audience could hear every word.

Please speak clearly into the microphone during the interview.

My laptop has a built-in microphone, so I don't need an external one for video calls.

2nounfigurativesymbol of speaking or performing

In a figurative sense, 'the microphone' or 'the mic' can represent the opportunity to speak, perform, or share your opinion in front of others. When someone says 'pass the microphone', they mean it is someone else's turn to speak or lead.

everyday language, business, public speaking · Modern, widely used · figurative

After the CEO finished speaking, she passed the microphone to the head of marketing.

He finally had the microphone — it was his chance to share his ideas with the whole company.