eustachian tube
noun
eu·sta·chian tube
yü-ˈstā-sh(ē-)ən- 
also -ˈstā-kē-ən-
often capitalized E
: a bony and cartilaginous tube connecting the middle ear with the nasopharynx and equalizing air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane
called also auditory tube
see ear illustrationExamples of eustachian tube in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This approach also prevented any damage to the eustachian tube, major blood vessels such as the jugular vein and internal carotid artery, and nerves that control swallowing and speech, Labib noted.
—
Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2025
The ear is connected to the back of the throat and nasal cavity through the eustachian tube, so decreasing inflammation in that area will lower the risk of getting fluid behind your ear.
—Andrea Muraskin, NPR, 19 Apr. 2025
People with smaller eustachian tubes, such as infants and young children, may also have trouble equalizing their ears.
—Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2023
Pinching your nose might guide that pressure through the eustachian tube and into your middle ear.
—Health Editorial Team, Health, 10 Nov. 2023
Some people can even voluntarily control their tensor tympani, a muscle in the ear that can open up the eustachian tubes.
—Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2023
The eustachian tube connects the back of your nose to your middle ear.
—Health Editorial Team, Health, 10 Nov. 2023
The throat can send fluid into the eustachian tube, which connects the ears and the throat.7 The tube can then get clogged and interfere with the ears' ability to drain fluid, ultimately causing an earache.
—Ashley Abramson, Health, 6 Aug. 2023
The action of creating pressure in the back of the nose can open the eustachian tube and equalize the pressure.
—Elizabeth Preske, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2023
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Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2025
The ear is connected to the back of the throat and nasal cavity through the eustachian tube, so decreasing inflammation in that area will lower the risk of getting fluid behind your ear.
—Andrea Muraskin, NPR, 19 Apr. 2025
People with smaller eustachian tubes, such as infants and young children, may also have trouble equalizing their ears.
—Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2023
Pinching your nose might guide that pressure through the eustachian tube and into your middle ear.
—Health Editorial Team, Health, 10 Nov. 2023
Some people can even voluntarily control their tensor tympani, a muscle in the ear that can open up the eustachian tubes.
—Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2023
The eustachian tube connects the back of your nose to your middle ear.
—Health Editorial Team, Health, 10 Nov. 2023
The throat can send fluid into the eustachian tube, which connects the ears and the throat.7 The tube can then get clogged and interfere with the ears' ability to drain fluid, ultimately causing an earache.
—Ashley Abramson, Health, 6 Aug. 2023
The action of creating pressure in the back of the nose can open the eustachian tube and equalize the pressure.
—Elizabeth Preske, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Eustachian tube.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eustachian%20tube. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
eustachian tube
noun
eu·sta·chian tube
yu̇-ˌstā-sh(ē)ən-
-ˌstā-kē-ən-
often capitalized E
: a tube connecting the middle ear with the upper pharynx and equalizing air pressure on both sides of the eardrum
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