open mic

American

[oh-puhn mahyk] / ˈoʊ pən ˈmaɪk /

Or open mike

noun

a live show in a club, bar, etc., in which anyone may perform but each performer is given a time limit (often used attributively).

an open mic night for stand-up comedians.

Etymology

Origin of open mic

First recorded in 1975–80; open ( def. ) (in sense “in operation, live”) + mic ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In addition to “Comedy & ‘Therapy,’ ” the coffee shop also hosts open mic nights, art walks and networking panels, among other events.

From Los Angeles Times

Protest is a crucial slice of life in the young democracy, and it knows how to turn it into a party - packed with songs, chants, dancing and open mic sessions.

From BBC

A bad night at an open mic is a forgettable bump in the road for any comedian.

From Los Angeles Times

And in Philly, there was always something going on whether it was a block party or a jam session or an open mic night.

From Los Angeles Times

“These were not open mic nights; they were real shows. It was Will Arnett’s reputation, and he was bombing on purpose, but it totally worked out in the long run. He was operating like a real comic up there.”

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023