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

Passengers will also receive a complimentary kit, with items such as an eye mask and earplugs. —Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026

Each passenger will also get a special amenity pouch with an eye mask, socks, earplugs, lotion, and a dental kit. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026

Protect your ears by not standing too close to speakers, and bring earplugs, says Greta Stamper, an audiologist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. —ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026

The Penn Medicine study found earplugs outperformed sound machines for blocking environmental noise during sleep. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 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)