unmute

[ uhn-myoot ]

verb (used with object)

1. to remove a mute from (a musical instrument):

   His tone, in the rare moments when his trumpet was unmuted, was clean and clear.

2. to turn on (a microphone, a speaker, or audio), especially after it has been temporarily turned off or when muted sound is the default:

   During this part of the training the microphones will remain unmuted, so please keep background noise to a minimum.

verb (used without object)

1. to restore the sound, as from a microphone:

   When you ask questions, be sure to allow a couple of seconds for your remote audience members to unmute.

Word History and Origins

Origin of unmute¹

First recorded in 1810–15; un- ²( def ) + mute ( def )

Example Sentences

I want everybody to say the sound, and if you have low background noise, you can unmute.

From ProPublica

She unmuted her computer and their distorted voices echoed through the class, filling the virtual room with a static buzz.

From ProPublica

If he unmutes himself to speak, teachers do not hear his query because they’re busy talking to students actually sitting nearby.

From Washington Post

Her teacher is shouting her name, trying to get her to return to the class Zoom, to unmute herself, to turn on her camera.

From Quanta Magazine

Video conferencing has become vital to workers operating remotely, but with it have come certain challenges, like remembering to unmute when you want to talk on a call.

From Quartz