earplug

noun

ear·​plug ˈir-ˌpləg How to pronounce earplug (audio)
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
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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 See All Example Sentences for earplug

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of earplug was in 1820

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Cite this Entry

“Earplug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earplug. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

earplug

noun
ear·​plug -ˌpləg How to pronounce earplug (audio)
: a device of pliable material for insertion into the outer opening of the ear (as to keep out water or deaden sound)

More from Merriam-Webster on earplug

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