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

Insider tip Bay Street can get a little raucous at night, but the inn provides earplugs and white noise machines to help buffer the sound. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 June 2026

Vile popped in a pair of earplugs. —Nick Paumgarten, New Yorker, 8 June 2026

The kit includes two cases—each containing a pair of earplugs. —Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2026

The earplugs filter noise while preserving sound clarity, are designed specifically for live music, and come packaged in a bold metallic case emblazoned with the Pleasing logo, with a ring to hook onto a bag, belt or keys. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 20 May 2026

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)