eardrum

noun

ear·​drum ˈir-ˌdrəm How to pronounce eardrum (audio)

Examples of eardrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web If my kick drum is absolutely smashing my eardrums in a sonic assault upon all that is good and decent, well—turn it down. Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2024 Two drivers stomping on 1,500-horsepower apiece for 30 seconds sounds like 10 cars backfiring into your eardrum. Paul McAdory, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2024 Changes in pressure might result in a ruptured eardrum. Health Editorial Team, Health, 10 Nov. 2023 In addition to a tear of the throat, holding back a sneeze can lead to a ruptured eardrum, rupture of blood vessels to the eye or nose, rupture of a brain aneurysm or rib fractures. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 14 Dec. 2023 This imbalance can cause your eardrum to bulge painfully. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2023 Some ear infections might cause a ruptured eardrum if untreated. 3. Health Editorial Team, Health, 10 Nov. 2023 During takeoff and landing, air pressure changes rapidly inside a plane cabin, and our eardrums frequently struggle to keep up. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2023 So far, 46 U.S. service members have been identified as having signs of traumatic brain injuries, or minor wounds such as perforated eardrums, tinnitus and rolled ankles, Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Matt Seyler, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'eardrum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eardrum was in 1645

Dictionary Entries Near eardrum

Cite this Entry

“Eardrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eardrum. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

eardrum

noun
ear·​drum -ˌdrəm How to pronounce eardrum (audio)
: the thin membrane that separates the outer and middle ear and carries sound waves as vibrations to the chain of tiny bones in the middle ear

called also tympanic membrane, tympanum

Medical Definition

eardrum

noun
ear·​drum -ˌdrəm How to pronounce eardrum (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on eardrum

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