earworm

noun

ear·​worm ˈir-ˌwərm 

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

The pounding bass, sharp synths, and intense beats are what make the song an earworm. — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Not just earworms but moodworms; beguiling outsider art by a professional. — Matt Thompson, SPIN, 13 July 2026

The former Girlpool member picks back up the acoustic guitar and, with it, her natural instincts for indie-pop earworms. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026

The edgy earworm soundtrack was crafted by musicians from the Chilean rock group Chancho en Piedra. — Andalusia K. Soloff, Christian Science Monitor, 4 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing earworm

• corn earworm