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

Blackout curtains or a sleep mask, white noise or earplugs, a cool room around 65°F and a phone on do not disturb are baseline requirements for daytime sleep, not optional upgrades. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026

The combination of high-tech sleep equipment and lower-tech sensory tools — masks, mists, earplugs — reflects how broad the sleep retreat category has become. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026

And in Economy, guests will be treated to an amenity kit for the very first time, which comes packed with a sleep mask and earplugs. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2026

Pack earplugs just in case, but my honest advice is to lean into it. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 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)