middle ear

noun

: a small membrane-lined cavity that is separated from the outer ear by the tympanic membrane and that transmits sound waves from the tympanic membrane to the partition between the middle and inner ears through a chain of tiny bones

Examples of middle ear in a Sentence

fluid in the middle ear

Recent Examples on the Web

Earwax buildup, fluid behind the eardrum or middle ear issues may physically obstruct sound and airflow. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025

Complications of the disease include pneumonia, middle ear infection, fainting, dehydration, seizures and brain swelling. —Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025

Eustachian tubes connect the middle ears to the back of the nose and throat, and help equalize air pressure inside the ears. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 3 Sep. 2025

The air pressure balance between the middle ear and outside environment is critical for our ears to properly function. —Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Popular Science, 16 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for middle ear

• auctioneer
• bandelier
• belvedere
• bombardier
• brigadier
• buccaneer
• cavalier
• chandelier
• chanticleer
• chevalier
• commandeer
• disappear

Kids Definition

middle ear

noun

: a small cavity that is lined with membrane and separated from the outer ear by the eardrum and that carries sound waves from the eardrum to the inner ear through a chain of tiny bones

Medical Definition

middle ear

noun

: the intermediate portion of the ear of higher vertebrates consisting typically of a small air-filled membrane-lined chamber in the temporal bone continuous with the nasopharynx through the eustachian tube, separated from the external ear by the tympanic membrane and from the inner ear by fenestrae, and containing a chain of three ossicles that extends from the tympanic membrane to the oval window and transmits vibrations to the inner ear

called also tympanic cavity

see incus, malleus, stapes