earwax

noun

ear·​wax ˈir-ˌwaks 

: the yellow waxy secretion from the glands of the external ear

called also cerumen

Examples of earwax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nothing included four sets of eartips in different sizes, and both the eartips and drivers have grilles to keep debris and earwax at bay. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026

Acute hearing loss can result from treatable causes like earwax buildup or infection that a hearing aid won’t address. — Allison Palmer july 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026

Add on an ear cleaning for 168 renminbi, a service that involves dislodging earwax with a tuning fork. — Erin Vivid Riley, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2026

Plus, your body will naturally remove earwax when needed. — Sherri Gordon, Health, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for earwax

• attacks
• backpacks
• beeswax
• borax
• callbacks
• carfax
• climax
• cutbacks
• drawbacks
• feedbacks
• flashbacks
• greenbacks

Kids Definition

earwax

noun

ear·​wax ˈi(ə)r-ˌwaks 

: a brownish yellow or orange waxlike substance produced by the glands of the external ear

Medical Definition

earwax

noun

ear·​wax ˈi(ə)r-ˌwaks 

: the yellow waxy secretion from the glands of the external ear

called also cerumen