headset

noun

head·​set ˈhed-ˌset 

plural headsets

1

: a support framework with attached electronic devices that is worn on the head: such as

a

: an earphone or a pair of earphones held on the head by a band

Earbuds, tiny round speakers which fit snugly into the ear, are near-invisible as they don't use a headband, but they don't fit every ear. The traditional banded headsets either completely enclose the ear or just sit gently over the opening.

—Joe Brown

Using discreet headsets with single earpiece headphones, the free audio-described tour will be delivered by a professional audio describer.

—Lincoln Tan

especially : such a headset that also includes an attached microphone

All you need for this is a hands-free headset for your telephone. Once you're properly equipped, you can make personal phone calls while simultaneously using your computer for personal entertainment.

—Paul McFedries

b

: virtual reality hardware (such as goggles and headphones) that is held on the head by one or more bands or straps

… stitches together multiple images to create a panoramic, 360-degree environment, and provides a virtual-reality headset to put you in the middle of a real video. You merely glance left or right, up or down, to see a different portion of the 3-D world you're in.

—Jake Kirchner

2

: the support framework of a headset

Google Glass—the wearable computer mounted in the headset of a pair of glasses—was launched by the data giant in February 2013.

—David McNamee

Examples of headset in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Video games alone in a room will never, ever compare, no matter who is on the other end of the headset. —Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025

In a separate statement, Google said the transaction would accelerate the development of its Android XR platform across headsets and smart glasses. —Zinnia Lee, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

Apple Vision Pro, the $3,499 intuitive mixed-reality spatial computing headsets for the ultimate techie with deep pockets are on display at a dedicated demo space inside the bright store. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025

Samsung and Google are working as one entity to develop the unified OS, which will power all sorts of wearable headsets from the companies. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

headset

noun

head·​set -ˌset 

: a pair of headphones