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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The On Brand Agency creatives will work with a major brand in need of a big idea for a massive, high-priority campaign – from creating earworm jingles and unbelievable activations to producing the most quotable commercials and must-have merchandise. Peter White, Deadline, 20 June 2025 For three decades now, this quartet of college pals have produced an impressive body of work that is eminently hummable, a cornucopia of earworms that everyone knows even if most folks would fail to come up with the names of their songs. Marco Della Cava, USA Today, 2 June 2025 But by Monday, the children’s song—a frequent earworm—was no more. Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025 With its vivid animation and focus on earworm sing-along songs, CoComelon has become a worldwide hit with more than 4 billion views on YouTube. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for earworm

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of earworm was in 1802

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Cite this Entry

“Earworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earworm. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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