earplug

noun

ear·​plug ˈir-ˌpləg 

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

Even with white noise and earplugs, the sound was unnerving to Ms. Kullen, who sent beseeching emails to the board and Halstead, the building’s management company. —David Segal, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025

During a flight, one reviewer fit chapstick, lotion, hair ties, glasses, earbuds, medication, a water bottle, a sleep mask, and earplugs with room to spare. —Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2025

Try to sleep in a quiet environment, eliminating noise from outside sources by using earplugs or white noise or brown noise (a variety of calming background sounds based on frequency). —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024

Loop Earplugs is redefining the style of earplugs—upgrading foam for something way more stylish. —Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for earplug

• debug
• humbug
• prodrug
• unplug
• antidrug
• mealybug
• multidrug
• chug
• doug
• drug
• dug
• hug

Medical Definition

earplug

noun

ear·​plug -ˌpləg 

: a device of pliable material for insertion into the outer opening of the ear (as to keep out water or deaden sound)