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

In lieu of bigger changes that could reduce noise complaints, many hotels now routinely hand out earplugs and eye masks. — Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

Still, many participants don swimming goggles and earplugs for protection. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026

Her essentials include a small power bank, earplugs, and an empty water bottle. — Jill Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026

Look from $28 Hilton tells PEOPLE she’s been a fan of Loop earplugs for a while, especially given her DJ career. — Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 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)