open mic

noun

variants or less commonly open mike
: an event in which amateurs may perform (as at a comedy club) usually without auditioning first

Examples of open mic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Now, Zhamira — who went from singing covers to open mics to a reality show — has regained her power in the music scene as one of Latin pop’s breakout stars. Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2026 After another reading, there was an open mic. Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026 Then potlucks with an open mic. Mika Ellison, NPR, 18 Feb. 2026 Following his advice, the Chinese immigrant performed at her first open mic night in 2019 and quickly made a name for herself in the Los Angeles comedy scene. Travis Pinson, Dallas Morning News, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for open mic

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of open mic was in 1978

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Open mic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20mic. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster