Mike is a short, casual way to say microphone. When a singer asks the sound technician to turn up the mike, they want their microphone louder. When someone says “testing, testing” into a mike before a school assembly, they're checking that the microphone works properly.

You'll often see this informal spelling in everyday conversation and casual writing. Professional musicians, radio hosts, and podcasters all use the word mike when they're talking shop. A stand-up comedian might say they “grabbed the mike” before starting their routine, or a recording engineer might adjust the mike's position to get better sound quality.

The word works as a verb too. When a reporter mikes up an interview subject, they attach a small microphone to the person's clothing. Theater productions often mike their actors so the audience can hear them clearly.

“Mic” is another common spelling of this shortened form, and either spelling works. Sound engineers and technical manuals tend to prefer “mic.” The important thing is that everyone knows you're talking about that essential device that amplifies voices and makes sure people can hear what's being said.