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

Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause severe dizziness, ringing in the ears, hearing loss and ears feeling congested, according to the NIH. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

According to Harvard Health, Menière's disease is a condition characterized by fluid buildup in the inner ear, causing damage to some of the delicate structures in the inner ear. — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Skull and inner ear fractures spun me out of body and consciousness. — Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 June 2026

Medical records obtained by police showed that Hodges' injuries included a brain bleed, multiple skull and facial fractures, a broken jaw, and a fractured inner ear resulting in hearing loss and nerve damage. — John Lynch, Arkansas Online, 16 June 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