earpiece

noun

ear·​piece ˈir-ˌpēs 

1

: the part of an instrument (such as a telephone, stethoscope, or hearing aid) that is placed against or inserted into the outer opening of the ear

especially : earphone

2

: one of the two sidepieces that support eyeglasses by passing over or behind the ears

Examples of earpiece in a Sentence

the earpiece of a stethoscope

Recent Examples on the Web

This initiative aims to integrate AI capabilities directly into the earpiece. —Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Each earpiece also has press controls that prevent the unintentional triggering often experienced with touch controls. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

The earpiece tops out at 77.4dB, which is fine for quiet spaces but would be hard to hear over construction noise. —PCMAG, 20 Mar. 2025

In a pre-recorded segment, the Duchess of Sussex also followed DeGeneres' instructions through a hidden earpiece to prank local vendors. —Stephanie Petit, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

earpiece

noun

ear·​piece -ˌpēs 

: a part of an instrument (as a telephone) that is placed against or in the ear

especially : earphone

Medical Definition

earpiece

noun

ear·​piece ˈi(ə)r-ˌpēs 

1

: a part of an instrument (as a stethoscope or hearing aid) that is inserted into the outer opening of the ear

2

: one of the two sidepieces that support eyeglasses by passing over or behind the ears