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

The Duchess of Sussex soon hit the stage at the event, removed an earpiece in a seemingly impromptu move and spoke in Spanish. —Janine Henni, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024

Fitness coach Paulo Barreira, sitting in the dugout, had an earpiece in to communicate with those up above. —Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024

Most importantly, the Nova earrings work as an earpiece, and the Tiffany earrings worn by the vice president do not. —Chloe Iris Kennedy, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Design: Basic, But Comfortable Available in black or white, the Tone Free T80 earpieces are somewhat compact, with rounded enclosures and a flat side for the touch controls. —PCMAG, 8 Aug. 2024

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