by ear

phrase

: without reference to or memorization of written music
plays by ear

Examples of by ear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While coaches fielded questions in the main ballroom at Big Ten Media Days on Tuesday, the conference commissioner paced a quiet foyer deep within the Hilton Chicago, phone by ear. — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of by ear was in 1658

Rhymes for by ear

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Browse Nearby Words

bye
by ear
bye-bye
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Cite this Entry

“By ear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20ear. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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