Microphone
/ˈmaɪkrəˌfoʊn/
Definitions
An instrument that converts sound into an electrical signal, typically for recording or broadcasting.
/ˈmaɪkrəˌfoʊn/
An instrument for converting sound waves into electrical impulses.
The comedian used a microphone to amplify his voice.
💡 Simply: It's like a magic ear that turns your voice into electricity so that it can be recorded or heard by many people far away. Imagine you are singing a song, and a microphone helps the whole world hear you!
👶 For kids: A microphone is a tool that makes your voice louder so other people can hear you better.
More Examples
She tested the microphone before the live broadcast.
The band's music was recorded using high-quality microphones.
How It's Used
"The singer adjusted the microphone before beginning the performance."
"The news reporter held the microphone to interview the witness."
Idioms & expressions
Drop the microphone
To make a strong statement and end a discussion or performance, implying that nothing further needs to be said.
"After delivering her powerful speech, she essentially dropped the microphone."
From Greek *mikros* ('small') + *phōnē* ('sound, voice'), referring to its function of amplifying small sounds.
Early microphones were developed in the late 19th century to improve telephone communication.
Memory tip
Think of a 'tiny phone' that hears for you.
Word Origin
"small sound"