inner ear

noun

: the essential organ of hearing and equilibrium that is located in the temporal bone, is innervated by the auditory nerve, and includes the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea

Examples of inner ear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Multiple surgeries have tried to repair bones in her inner ear and her skull. —Scott Pelley, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026

The condition occurs when tiny calcium crystals come loose from their normal location within the inner ear, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026

The condition isn't fully understood, as causes can range from mild to moderate head trauma, to pre-existing inner ear diseases, and treatment is confined largely to a physical therapy exercise called the Epley maneuver. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Mar. 2026

The earbuds are now about 11% slimmer, too, shaped more closely to the inner ear for improved stability. —New Atlas, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inner ear

• auctioneer
• bandelier
• belvedere
• bombardier
• brigadier
• buccaneer
• cavalier
• chandelier
• chanticleer
• chevalier
• commandeer
• disappear

Kids Definition

inner ear

noun

: the part of the ear that is most important for hearing, is located in a cavity in the temporal bone, and contains the ends of the nerves which send nerve impulses concerned with hearing and balance to the brain

Medical Definition

inner ear

noun

: the essential part of the vertebrate organ of hearing and equilibrium that typically is located in the temporal bone, is innervated by the auditory nerve, and includes the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea

called also internal ear