earpiece

noun

ear·​piece ˈir-ˌpēs 

1

: the part of an instrument (such as a telephone, stethoscope, or hearing aid) that is placed against or inserted into the outer opening of the ear

especially : earphone

2

: one of the two sidepieces that support eyeglasses by passing over or behind the ears

Examples of earpiece in a Sentence

the earpiece of a stethoscope

Recent Examples on the Web

Eventually, his route takes him out the door and onto the streets of the theater district, with Francis still staying in step with the song thanks to an earpiece carrying music from the orchestra. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025

Poyet was expecting to have some dinner in the studio during the first half, but then noticed the programme’s host, Mark Chapman, touching his earpiece and looking at him. —Tom Burrows, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025

Willis was having trouble remembering his lines and his use of an earpiece to aid with his lines to be fed was met with criticism in some reviews. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025

This initiative aims to integrate AI capabilities directly into the earpiece. —Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

earpiece

noun

ear·​piece -ˌpēs 

: a part of an instrument (as a telephone) that is placed against or in the ear

especially : earphone

Medical Definition

earpiece

noun

ear·​piece ˈi(ə)r-ˌpēs 

1

: a part of an instrument (as a stethoscope or hearing aid) that is inserted into the outer opening of the ear

2

: one of the two sidepieces that support eyeglasses by passing over or behind the ears