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

Items including scissors, light bulbs, raw eggs, rolls of tape, wooden blocks, springs, foam earplugs, jacks, tetrahedrons, and shock absorbers can all be picked up without custom programming, reports Techeblog. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026

On the 17-hour flight, passengers can book a bunk in the back of the aircraft for four-hour increments, which comes with fresh bedding, a privacy curtain, ambient lighting and kit with eye-masks, skincare, earplugs and socks. — Scott Laird, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026

Odysseus is literally wearing foam earplugs to block out their song. — Nikki McCann Ramirez, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2026

The main goal of the Cliq earplugs design is to be a stylish alternative to a usually boring piece of gear. — Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 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)