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

Some of my favorites include an Oura Ring (which is so much more than a step tracker), a swanky Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine, a Dyson SuperSonic hair dryer that uses smart heat technology, and Bose noise-canceling headphones. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025

The Best Black Friday Tech Toy Deals Drop some sick beats on sale with $8 kids' headphones that feature a safe volume limiter. —Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 28 Nov. 2025

Everything from kitchen appliances to noise-cancelling headphones to your favorite bedding are in the mix for up to half off. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 28 Nov. 2025

These fresh discounts span travel essentials like luggage sets, noise-cancelling headphones, and portable chargers that have historically stayed at full price. —Gabriela Garcia, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for headphone

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone

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