earplug

noun

ear·​plug ˈir-ˌpləg How to pronounce earplug (audio)
1
: an ornament inserted in the lobe of the ear especially to distend it
2
: a device of pliable material for insertion into the outer opening of the ear (as to keep out water or deaden sound)

Examples of earplug 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.
Justrvn Sleep Earplugs The struggles of sleeping in hotel rooms next to the sound of construction work, heavy traffic noise, and people’s voices have made packing good earplugs a non-negotiable for me. — Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026 Items including scissors, light bulbs, raw eggs, rolls of tape, wooden blocks, springs, foam earplugs, jacks, tetrahedrons, and shock absorbers can all be picked up without custom programming, reports Techeblog. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026 Odysseus is literally wearing foam earplugs to block out their song. — Nikki McCann Ramirez, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2026 The main goal of the Cliq earplugs design is to be a stylish alternative to a usually boring piece of gear. — Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for earplug

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of earplug was in 1820

Rhymes for earplug

See All Rhymes for earplug

Browse Nearby Words

ear-piercing
earplug
earring
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Earplug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earplug. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

earplug

noun
ear·​plug -ˌpləg How to pronounce earplug (audio)
: a device of pliable material for insertion into the outer opening of the ear (as to keep out water or deaden sound)

More from Merriam-Webster on earplug

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about earplug

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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