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

In 1996, Smack signed up for an open mic in Virginia, but nobody showed up, so the event was canceled. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026

Fox & Locke Set in a 1947 general store, Fox & Locke has been the heart of Leiper’s Fork’s music scene since its open mic nights began in 2002. — Caroline Eubanks, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2026

Sisyphus has earned a reputation not only for its craft beer, but also as a Twin Cities comedy venue, hosting regular stand-up shows and open mic nights. — Jason Rantala, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

After graduating in 2021 and 2022, respectively, Wickline and Pierce moved to New York and met while performing at open mics in the city. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for open mic

• businesslike
• ladylike
• motorbike
• workmanlike
• alike
• belike
• birdlike
• catlike
• childlike
• christlike
• deathlike
• dislike