eardrum

noun

ear·​drum ˈir-ˌdrəm How to pronounce eardrum (audio)

Examples of eardrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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One of the challenges with middle ear infections lies in the fact that the infected area is located behind the ear-canal-spanning tympanic membrane (aka the eardrum). Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 6 June 2025 Then the assault on the eardrums of 50,000 fans roaring with joy and collectively conveying a message that is becoming increasingly undeniable: this is their year. Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 1 June 2025 Reema suffered serious burns, a punctured eardrum and trauma following the attack, the BBC reported. Becca Longmire, People.com, 28 May 2025 Another bolt of lightning struck close on the island, and a split second later a terrific thunderclap tried to beat in our eardrums. Arthur Grahame, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for eardrum

Word History

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eardrum was in 1645

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Cite this Entry

“Eardrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eardrum. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

eardrum

noun
ear·​drum -ˌdrəm How to pronounce eardrum (audio)
: the thin membrane that separates the outer and middle ear and carries sound waves as vibrations to the chain of tiny bones in the middle ear

called also tympanic membrane, tympanum

Medical Definition

eardrum

noun
ear·​drum -ˌdrəm How to pronounce eardrum (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on eardrum

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