headphone

noun

head·​phone ˈhed-ˌfōn 

plural headphones

: an earphone held over the ear by a band worn on the head

—usually plural

So for the gamer to gain that "edge," he must have the best mouse, the smoothest mouse pad or the most sensitive headphones.

—Chris Yong

Strapping on cushy headphones the size of loaves of bread, I'd repeatedly listen to Mingus' "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" and the music of artists such as Jelly Roll Morton and Billie Holiday.

—Robert Wilder

also : a small earphone inserted into the ear : earbud

in-ear headphones

Examples of headphone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Best Amazon Prime Day Apple Deals There are Apple devices galore during Prime Day, including headphones, watches, tablets, and computers, with prices as little as $79. —Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 17 July 2024

Wireless headphones are a must when working out, and their Airpods are the best of the best. —Laura Lu, Health, 16 July 2024

There's also discounts on big ticket items that travelers love, like noise-canceling headphones, e-readers, wearable tech, suitcase sets, and backpacks. —Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2024

Sennheiser Consumer Audio Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones These Sennheiser wireless headphones were our top over-the-ear pick for most comfortable headphones. —Jackie Cucco, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

headphone

noun

head·​phone ˈhed-ˌfōn 

: an earphone held over the ear by a band worn on the head

—usually used in plural