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

Foam or silicone earplugs cut noise by 20 to 30 decibels, enough to bring 40 to 60 dB snoring below the arousal threshold, according to Superpower. — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026

On the other are partner-side tools like earplugs and white noise machines. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026

Noise exposure is a public health problem Individual behaviors are important, but noise pollution won’t be solved one pair of earplugs at a time. — Laura Coco, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2026

The Eclipse also pairs with the company’s Dream sleep earplugs — Loop also created a bundle as a sleep solution. — Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 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)