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

These infections are typically caused by bacterial buildup resulting from earwax blockage, a cold or upper respiratory infections. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 9 June 2025

Don’t: Use Q-Tips You may be tempted to use Q-Tips to scratch an itch or remove earwax. —Katie Mogg, New York Times, 15 May 2025

Blockage of the ear canal due to earwax or other substances can also cause tinnitus, as can suffering from an ear infection or head or neck injury. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025

Conductive hearing loss typically occurs when sound waves are blocked or not transmitted effectively, often due to ear infections, earwax buildup, or ear drum perforation. —Miriam A Knoll, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025

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