earworm

noun

ear·​worm ˈir-ˌwərm How to pronounce earworm (audio)
1
2
: a song or melody that keeps repeating in one's mind

Examples of earworm 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.
For three decades now, this quartet of college pals have produced an impressive body of work that is eminently hummable, a cornucopia of earworms that everyone knows even if most folks would fail to come up with the names of their songs. Marco Della Cava, USA Today, 2 June 2025 But by Monday, the children’s song—a frequent earworm—was no more. Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025 With its vivid animation and focus on earworm sing-along songs, CoComelon has become a worldwide hit with more than 4 billion views on YouTube. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2025 The earworm will likely be stuck in fans' heads until further notice. Marina Watts, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for earworm

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of earworm was in 1802

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Cite this Entry

“Earworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earworm. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

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