earplug

noun ear·plug \ ˈir-ˌpləg \

Updated on: 21 Apr 2018

Definition of earplug

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)

See earplug defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of earplug from the Web

Esther Burhgouwt’s key to a good night’s sleep has been earplugs.

— joe jackson, Outside Online, "The Gear AT Hikers Can't Trek Without," 11 Apr. 2018
The Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve is often spent sequestered with earplugs to avoid hearing fireworks.

— samantha saltz, m.d. and nicole mavrides, m.d., miamiherald, "How to help your child if they’ve lived through a mass shooting — or any shooting | Miami Herald," 12 Mar. 2018
Eliminate ambient noise, which is the most common cause of sleep disturbances, with earplugs.

— ramona emerson, Allure, "How to Get Better Sleep and Wake Up Refreshed in the Morning," 31 Jan. 2018
Just remember to save a few bucks to buy some earplugs for your coworkers.

— eric limer, Popular Mechanics, "The Best Keyboard Ever Is Back," 5 July 2017
Each one comes with a privacy curtain, air conditioning, electrical outlets, USB ports, bottled water, earplugs, a moist face towelette and a bag to hold your shoes.

— diana kruzman, USA TODAY, "New bus service brings back comfortable overnight travel," 2 Feb. 2018
Bragi’s earplugs are at the forefront of a big shift in the tech industry.

— The Economist, "Life on the edgeThe era of the cloud’s total dominance is drawing to a close," 18 Jan. 2018
If noise is preventing you from getting a good night's sleep, consider buying some earplugs or cancelling out unwanted sounds with a white-noise machine.

— tehrene firman, Redbook, "14 Surprising Things That Are Making You Tired," 20 Oct. 2017
Our country needs unifying, and Fergie inspired people to overlook petty differences and reach across the aisle, to borrow earplugs.

— scott ostler, San Francisco Chronicle, "Oh say, can you please stop singing?," 19 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'earplug.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of earplug

1820

EARPLUG Defined for English Language Learners

earplug

noun

Definition of earplug for English Language Learners

: a piece of soft material that you put in your ear to keep out water, noise, etc.

Medical Dictionary

earplug

noun ear·plug \ -ˌpləg \

medical Definition of earplug

: a device of pliable material for insertion into the outer opening of the ear (as to keep out water or deaden sound)

Learn More about earplug

See words that rhyme with earplug Spanish Central: Translation of earplug Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about earplug

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earplug

Definition of earplug

Recent Examples of earplug from the Web

First Known Use of earplug

EARPLUG Defined for English Language Learners

earplug

Definition of earplug for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

earplug

medical Definition of earplug

Learn More about earplug

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earplug

Definition of earplug

Recent Examples of earplug from the Web

First Known Use of earplug

EARPLUG Defined for English Language Learners

earplug

Definition of earplug for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

earplug

medical Definition of earplug

Learn More about earplug

Seen and Heard

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