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

On my flight, these were provided by Raven Lily and included an eye mask, socks, earplugs, tissues, a dental kit, a moist towelette, lip balm, moisturizer and facial mist. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 21 Nov. 2025

Cheryl — who jumped in the mosh pit briefly at the first party — hung out in the back, sitting on her walker and gently joshing Erika’s young son for wearing earplugs while a singer screamed into the microphone. —Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2025

An eye mask and earplugs can help. —Aaron Randolph, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025

Bodewes’ burgeoning interest in the technology behind earplugs and, eventually, the genesis of Loop. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 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)