earplug

noun ear·plug \ ˈir-ˌpləg \

|Updated on: 15 Jun 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

Is that ringing sound actually in the trailer, or have the years of neglecting to wear earplugs at concerts caught up to me? Genuinely surprised to see Dave Chappelle in this.

— cady drell, Marie Claire, "16 Extremely Important Observations From the Trailer for 'A Star is Born'," 6 June 2018
These new earplugs use an acoustic channel that imitates the function of your ear canal and a filter that reduces sound by 20 decibels.

— josie colt, WIRED, "All the Gear, Gadgets, and Apps We Loved in May," 31 May 2018
Try earplugs, or a sound machine—anything to help create a barrier around the sound.

— emma wartzman, Bon Appetit, "We Asked a Doctor ALL the Questions You Had About Sleep," 29 May 2018
Finally, the whole city seems to crescendo in shell-shocking sounds that had many players in the orchestra reaching for their earplugs while producing a bravura performance.

— mark swed, latimes.com, "Salonen's 'Pollux' supplies some grunge for L.A. Phil tour," 16 Apr. 2018
Complimentary earplugs are provided on each of the seats.

— oliver sava, Chicago Reader, "33 to Nothing’s speakers go up to 11," 19 Apr. 2018
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

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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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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