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

The recommended sleep setup includes a mattress topper, two pillow firmness options, a spare blanket at the foot of the bed, blackout curtains or sleep masks and a white noise machine or earplugs. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

Add blackout curtains or a sleep mask, plus earplugs or a white noise machine for lighter sleepers. — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026

Light sleepers should note that Allen Parkway can be noisy at night, but the hotel provides earplugs and blackout curtains. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026

Loop has changed that with their highly functional earplugs that look more like jewelry than auditory safety measures. — Eliza Thompson, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

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)