earworm

noun

ear·worm | \ˈir-ˌwərm

\

Definition of earworm

1 : corn earworm

2 : a song or melody that keeps repeating in one's mind

Examples of earworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That peppy lead single swerves and snaps with falsetto word-salad and an earworm riff, and the video shows Longstreth surrounded by tropical birds bopping to the beat. — Zoë Madonna, BostonGlobe.com, "Rays of light from Dirty Projectors on ‘Lamp-Lit Prose’," 11 July 2018 There’s space in pop for all kinds of love — and all kinds of earworm songs, rather like this one. — Raisa Bruner, Time, "5 Songs You Need to Listen to This Week," 11 May 2018 The commercials ran for years and made the tune, as sung by Mrs. VerPlanck, an American earworm. — Emily Langer, Washington Post, "Marlene VerPlanck, commercial ‘jingle queen’ and singer of Great American Songbook, dies at 84," 19 Jan. 2018 The first shows Kardashian West, 37, and North aboard It’s a Small World, wearing Snapchat’s Minnie Mouse filter as the little girl sings along with the ride’s earworm theme song. — Jen Juneau, PEOPLE.com, "Kim Kardashian West Takes Saint and North to Disneyland — See the Cute Mommy-and-Me Snaps," 23 May 2018 Her latest songwriting collaborators — including Max Martin and Shellback — have proven track records for commercial success and creating earworm-worthy pop anthems, but not for innovation or risk-taking. — George Varga, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Pink, 17 years into her solo career, bringing her 'Beautiful Trauma' and soaring show to San Diego," 22 May 2018 His lyricism and catchy hooks not only gave a movie its distinct signature but also could turn a film-going memory into an earworm. — Tim Greiving, latimes.com, "How much gold can lie in 45 Oscar losses? In the case of John Williams, the answer is: Tons," 2 Mar. 2018 His 94 years of life were packed with a Forrest Gump-esque career that brought him in contact with several historical icons and eventually launched him into writing educational earworms for ABC in between experimental jazz records. — The Washington Post, AL.com, "Bob Dorough of 'Schoolhouse Rock!' fame dead at 94," 24 Apr. 2018 With close to half of the tour wrapped up, Faiyaz plans to lock back in the studio and unleash more earworms for his eager devotees. — Carl Lamarre, Billboard, "Brent Faiyaz on the Success of 'Sonder Son,' His Love for Lauryn Hill & Why He Plans to Stay Independent 'Forever'," 9 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'earworm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of earworm was in 1802

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