earworm

noun

ear·​worm ˈir-ˌwərm How to pronounce earworm (audio)
1
2
: a song or melody that keeps repeating in one's mind

Examples of earworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Temu has also bought pricey TV commercials during the past two Super Bowl games, including multiple ads this year with an earworm jingle. Shira Ovide, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 Indeed, the series packs each episode with Easter eggs that are sure to delight fans, including a certain familiar earworm and the return of everyone’s favorite cabbage merchant. Devan Coggan, EW.com, 22 Feb. 2024 With a colorful animated ad featuring a sprightly jingle (which is also an earworm), the company immediately got noticed. Cmo, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 The appeal is easy to see: Onstage and on record, there’s an infectious bravado and retro cool to go with the slinky grooves and earworm hooks. Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 21 Jan. 2024 The denouement, with jingle legend Paul Anka saving the day with a giant-defeating earworm, is a neat way to end things. Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 24 Nov. 2023 Released in April of last year, the anthemic tune — complete with Kate Bush-esque vocals, an earworm hook and a killer guitar solo — is on Morris’ mind because of the group’s recent performances on the late-night show circuit. Ellise Shafer, Variety, 2 Feb. 2024 This 1980s earworm of a jingle touted a gadget to turn your lights, your TV, or any other electrical device on or off with the clap of your hands. IEEE Spectrum, 30 Dec. 2023 With this expansive body of work, Kenyon continues to captivate listeners with earworm melodies that pay homage to R&B’s golden era. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 29 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'earworm.' 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

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of earworm was in 1802

Dictionary Entries Near earworm

Cite this Entry

“Earworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earworm. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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