earwax

noun

ear·​wax ˈir-ˌwaks How to pronounce earwax (audio)
: the yellow waxy secretion from the glands of the external ear

called also cerumen

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The upbeat track, shared exclusively via Billboard below, features a slew of crazy tasks that Hailey is ready to take on, including using her earwax to make a candle, win a contest for World’s Cutest Pet Rock and teaching a cat to play piano. Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 11 May 2023 For example, wet or dry earwax? Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 24 Mar. 2013 Inhale the steam to help thin the mucus and earwax in your ear. Elizabeth Preske, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2023 Everyone’s earwax is unique. Henry Ou, The Conversation, 7 Feb. 2022 Think of earwax as a combination of substances. Madeleine Burry, Health.com, 14 Sep. 2021 Olive Oil or Hydrogen Peroxide This technique serves to open up your eustachian tubes by softening and removing your earwax. Elizabeth Preske, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2023 Later, Renaissance mathematician Gerolamo Cardano advised rubbing one’s teeth with dog earwax. 7. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2023 Too much earwax can trap water in your ear canal. Evan Hecht, USA TODAY, 24 Aug. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'earwax.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of earwax was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near earwax

Cite this Entry

“Earwax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earwax. Accessed 7 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

earwax

noun
ear·​wax ˈi(ə)r-ˌwaks How to pronounce earwax (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce earwax (audio)
: the yellow waxy secretion from the glands of the external ear

called also cerumen

More from Merriam-Webster on earwax

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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