1 B2 informal
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."
separable
mike up
B2 informal separable transitive
To fit a microphone to a person or piece of equipment before a recording or broadcast.
In plain English
To put a microphone on someone before they speak or perform.
What does "mike up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Mike' is an older abbreviation of microphone; 'up' signals readiness or preparation. To mike up: to make someone ready with a microphone.
Actually means
To put a microphone on someone before they speak or perform.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "mike up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
performer guest presenter athlete audience member stage
How to conjugate "mike up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "mike up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "mike up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "mike up"
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Keep exploring
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