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

That’s because age can affect special types of cells in your inner ear that are important for hearing. —Heidi Cope, Health, 20 Apr. 2025

Vestibular stimming involves movements that stimulate your inner ear's balance system. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025

Hearing loss in dogs typically results from damage or deterioration of the hair cells within the inner ear. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025

Recall the role of the inner ear in sustaining balance. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 7 Mar. 2025

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