mike

/maɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /maɪk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmīk/ (ame, mw)

mike — noun

  • mikesingular
  • mikesplural

1. A shorter, more casual word for microphone — a device that picks up sound and co

1.名詞B1
釋義

A shorter, more casual word for microphone — a device that picks up sound and converts it into an electrical signal so that voices can be amplified, broadcast, or recorded.

例句

The singer tapped the mike and asked, 'Can you all hear me back there?'

informal register: mike used in a casual performance setting

During the debate, each speaker had a small mike clipped to their shirt.

collocation: mike + clipped to [clothing]

同義詞
  • microphone

    full formal term; appropriate in any context including official and academic writing

  • mic

    same informal register as mike; often used in written shorthand, especially in music production

常見錯誤

The presenter adjusted the mike before the formal ceremony.
The presenter adjusted the microphone before the formal ceremony.
💡'mike' is too informal for very formal written contexts such as official programmes or technical manuals.

2. In American football, the linebacker positioned in the centre of the defensive f

2.名詞C1
釋義

In American football, the linebacker positioned in the centre of the defensive formation, usually responsible for directing the defence and stopping running plays.

例句

When the offense ran the ball, the mike moved to the middle and stopped the ball carrier.

shows mike as a defensive player who stops running plays

Coach told Diego to play mike for the second half because he was the strongest tackler.

collocation: play mike

同義詞
  • middle linebacker

    the full term for this position; 'mike' is the short form used by players and commentators

用法筆記

This sense is used only in the context of American football. In other sports or general conversation, 'mike' refers to a microphone (sense noun/1).

常見錯誤

Reading 'He plays mike for the Bears' as a microphone reference.
Understanding: in a football article, 'mike' means the middle linebacker position.
💡Context (sports, 'Bears' team name) disambiguates the meaning.

mike — verb