mike

¹

[ mahyk ]

noun

1. Also Informal. microphone.

verb (used with object)

, miked, mik·ing.

1. Informal. to supply or amplify with one or more microphones; attach a microphone to:

   to mike a singer.

verb (used without object)

, miked, mik·ing.

1. Informal. to use or position a microphone:

   to mike properly when recording a singer.

mike

²

[ mahyk ]

noun

1. a forklike support for a light cannon on a sailing ship.

mike

³

[ mahyk ]

noun

1. loafing; idling.

verb (used without object)

, miked, mik·ing.

1. to loaf.

mike

⁴

[ mahyk ]

noun

1. micrometer ¹( def 2 ).

verb (used with object)

, miked, mik·ing.

1. to measure with a micrometer.

Mike

⁵

[ mahyk ]

noun

1. a male given name, form of Michael.
2. (lowercase) a word used in communications to represent the letter M.

mike

¹

/ maɪk /

noun

1. informal.
   short for microphone See also mike up

Mike

²

/ maɪk /

noun

1. communications a code word for the letter m

Word History and Origins

Origin of mike¹

First recorded in 1925–30; by shortening and respelling

Origin of mike²

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; perhaps from Middle Dutch micke “forked support”; further origin uncertain

Origin of mike³

First recorded in 1815–25; origin uncertain

Origin of mike⁴

First recorded in 1920–25; by shortening and respelling of micrometer ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. drop the mike, Informal. mic ( def 2 ).

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, if you missed Mike Gips’s interview with Bob, “Staake Talks Smaake,” check out Episode 9 of “You’re Invited,” Mike’s podcast about The Style Invitational.

From Washington Post

While Edith was the Hauser Street peacemaker, she usually could not defuse the cringingly contentious arguments between Mike and Archie.

From Time

Mike isn’t the communications person, Mike isn’t the leader.

From Washington Blade

This time Mike treats Invite Rookie Phenom Sarah Walsh, who’s been on both “Jeopardy!”

From Washington Post

Mike and I worked extremely well together in 2018 and put up some impressive numbers as an offensive staff.

From Washington Post

And now, similarly, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee: "Bend over and take it like a prisoner!"

From The Daily Beast

And similar shards of enthusiasm-killing kryptonite are lodged in John Kasich, Mike Pence and Ted Cruz.

From The Daily Beast

Democrats would be mistaken to underestimate Mike Huckabee, perhaps the strongest Republican presidential contender.

From The Daily Beast

The future Mr. Vergara—and star of ‘True Blood’ and ‘Magic Mike’ shares some life advice in an exclusive video.

From The Daily Beast

On the Democratic side, many expect former Rep. Mike McMahon to make another run at the seat.

From The Daily Beast

Pat Malone, you are fined five dollars for assault and battery on Mike Sweeney.

From Project Gutenberg

It's your funeral, Mike would say, laughing until tears came into his eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

Mike could push his knuckles hard into the faces of people who owed him money, and he'd never even be arrested.

From Project Gutenberg

Joe was shaking when he slipped into the chair left vacant by Mike and reached out for both her hands.

From Project Gutenberg

Now Mike was as remarkable for his cheerful and amiable disposition, as Jacob was for his ill nature.

From Project Gutenberg