headset

noun

head·​set ˈhed-ˌset How to pronounce headset (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for headset 

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of headset was in 1900

Dictionary Entries Near headset

Cite this Entry

“Headset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headset. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

headset

noun
head·​set -ˌset How to pronounce headset (audio)
: a pair of headphones

More from Merriam-Webster on headset

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