earplug

noun

ear·​plug ˈir-ˌpləg 

1

: an ornament inserted in the lobe of the ear especially to distend it

2

: a device of pliable material for insertion into the outer opening of the ear (as to keep out water or deaden sound)

Examples of earplug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tenant downstairs has the freedom to wear earplugs or seek alternative living arrangements. —Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

But the lieutenant added that the decision on whether to cite is up to the officer who saw the headphones or earplugs. —Jim Radcliffe, Oc Register, 29 Aug. 2025

Amazon’s most affordable Labor Day deals also include travel essentials like Loops earplugs and compressive packing cubes to help maximize the space in your suitcase. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Captain Brett handed out earplugs and earmuffs, to shield against the roar of the airboat’s enormous caged propeller. —Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for earplug

• debug
• humbug
• prodrug
• unplug
• antidrug
• mealybug
• multidrug
• chug
• doug
• drug
• dug
• hug

Medical Definition

earplug

noun

ear·​plug -ˌpləg 

: a device of pliable material for insertion into the outer opening of the ear (as to keep out water or deaden sound)