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SINCE 1828

earplug

noun
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ear·​plug | \ ˈir-ˌpləg How to pronounce earplug (audio) \

Definition of earplug

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 Aearo’s Combat Arms earplug was standard issue for U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. — Mike Hughlett, Star Tribune, "3M mired in one of largest mass torts ever over military earplugs," 18 Sep. 2020 Priceline has a McMinnville farm house for rent with four bedrooms, but reviewers say bring earplugs because of road noise. — oregonlive, "Ready to safely travel Oregon again? Priceline, Airbnb, Outdoorsy have farm stays, camper rentals, getaway deals," 22 May 2020 Pros: The earplugs are soft and comfortable to wear and stay secure inside your ear. — Emily Price, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Best Earplugs for Sleeping Through the Night, No Matter Where You Are," 10 Apr. 2020 Previously, wearing earplugs was a minor misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $150. — Andrew J. Tobias, cleveland, "Gov. Mike DeWine signs new law legalizing earplug use for Ohio motorcyclists," 21 Feb. 2020 From earplugs to smart plugs: 27 things that will make your life easier in coronavirus quarantine. — Jessica Flores, USA TODAY, "Coronavirus live updates: Florida's Jacksonville parks, beaches to reopen; China reports worst economy data since 1970s," 17 Apr. 2020 The people who can tolerate more sound or the people who brought their earplugs face the crowd. — Lydia Denworth, Scientific American, "How People with Autism Forge Friendships," 8 Apr. 2020 Some people would rather put a broken Q-tip in their ear, while others would prefer a bulky earplug or a mint candy the size of a coin. — Marie C. Baca, Washington Post, "AirPod rivals give consumers an earful as they try to catch up to Apple," 2 Oct. 2019 And Andrew explains why motorcycle riders can now use earplugs and why for a long while now, they have been prohibited from doing so. — cleveland, "Is science or ideology behind the transgender bill? No more comments! Survivalists’ ideas for avoiding coronavirus: This Week in the CLE," 27 Feb. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'earplug.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of earplug

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Time Traveler for earplug

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The first known use of earplug was in 1820

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Cite this Entry

“Earplug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earplug. Accessed 8 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for earplug

earplug

noun
How to pronounce earplug (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of earplug

: a piece of soft material that you put in your ear to keep out water, noise, etc.

See the full definition for earplug in the English Language Learners Dictionary

earplug

noun
ear·​plug | \ -ˌpləg How to pronounce earplug (audio) \

Medical Definition of earplug

: 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

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