eardrum

noun

ear·​drum ˈir-ˌdrəm How to pronounce eardrum (audio)

Examples of eardrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Reports indicated that Scott's forceful slap across Rhodes's face resulted in a ruptured eardrum, an injury severe enough to necessitate Rhodes wearing an earplug during subsequent appearances. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025 Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reported that Rhodes suffered a busted eardrum and a black eye during the assault. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 Webb broke your eardrums and your heart at the same time. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025 The slap reportedly resulted in Rhodes suffering a ruptured eardrum. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for eardrum

Word History

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eardrum was in 1645

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Cite this Entry

“Eardrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eardrum. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

eardrum

noun
ear·​drum -ˌdrəm How to pronounce eardrum (audio)
: the thin membrane that separates the outer and middle ear and carries sound waves as vibrations to the chain of tiny bones in the middle ear

called also tympanic membrane, tympanum

Medical Definition

eardrum

noun
ear·​drum -ˌdrəm How to pronounce eardrum (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on eardrum

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