mike up

B2 informal separable transitive

In simple words

To put a microphone on someone before they speak or perform.

Literal meaning: 'Mike' is an older abbreviation of microphone; 'up' signals readiness or preparation. To mike up: to make someone ready with a microphone.

Meanings

1 B2 informal

common

To attach a microphone to a person before a performance, interview, or recording.

"The floor manager asked all the contestants to be miked up and ready by seven o'clock."

Grammar: separable

Usage notes

Older spelling variant of 'mic up', both fully accepted. Common in TV, film, theatre, radio, and corporate event production. Largely interchangeable with 'mic up' in all contexts.

Commonly used with

performer guest presenter athlete audience member stage

Forms

Base

mike up

I/you/we/they

3rd person

mikes up

he/she/it

Past simple

miked up

yesterday

Past participle

miked up

have + pp

-ing form

miking up

continuous

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Synonyms

mic up wire up fit with a microphone attach a mic

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