earwax

noun

ear·​wax ˈir-ˌwaks How to pronounce earwax (audio)
: the yellow waxy secretion from the glands of the external ear

called also cerumen

Examples of earwax 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.
Dirty hearing aids won’t work well (if at all), as even a speck of earwax can clog the delicate electronics, preventing them from relaying sound properly. Christopher Null, Wired News, 22 June 2025 The model was able to distinguish earwax samples from people with and without Parkinson’s with 94 percent accuracy. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2025 While hearing aids can suffer from faulty microphones or water damage, earwax seems to be the biggest culprit. Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 13 May 2025 These infections are typically caused by bacterial buildup resulting from earwax blockage, a cold or upper respiratory infections. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for earwax

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of earwax was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Earwax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earwax. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

earwax

noun
ear·​wax ˈi(ə)r-ˌwaks How to pronounce earwax (audio)
: a brownish yellow or orange waxlike substance produced by the glands of the external ear

Medical Definition

earwax

noun
ear·​wax ˈi(ə)r-ˌwaks How to pronounce earwax (audio)
: the yellow waxy secretion from the glands of the external ear

called also cerumen

More from Merriam-Webster on earwax

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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