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

With the start of summer concert season, these earplugs are also a great hack for enjoying your favorite artist while not bursting your eardrums or becoming overstimulated. —Jeaneen Russell, People.com, 2 June 2025

These silicone earplugs offer 24dB noise reduction while avoiding the uncomfortable pressure of cheap foam plugs. —Ars Staff, ArsTechnica, 7 May 2025

And passengers in first and business class on its long-haul flights will walk away with skin care products from U.K. luxury brand Bamford, as well as signature products such as a dental kit, earplugs, a cooling body gel and a sleep mask. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 June 2025

The facility’s psychiatrist gave her earplugs to help her sleep. —Ellen Barry, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025

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)